What counts as visa fraud?
Under Article 24 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, it is an offence to forge a visa or residence permit, or any official document on which they are issued, with the intent of evading the law, and to use any such document knowing it is forged.
The second limb catches people who did not make the document but used it. Knowledge that it was forged is part of the offence, which is why the way the document was obtained matters in the defence.
What is the penalty?
Imprisonment not exceeding ten years (Article 24(1)), applied equally to using a forged document knowing it is forged (Article 24(2)).
Article 24(3) adds that in all cases the court must order the deportation of the foreigner. A ten-year ceiling is not the usual sentence, but the deportation order is not discretionary.
What if an agent arranged the visa and I did not know it was forged?
Lack of knowledge is the central question, because the offence of using a forged document requires that you knew it was forged.
We look at who prepared the paperwork, what you paid, what you were told and whether you had any reason to doubt the document. Keep every receipt, message and contract with the agent.
What is the difference from giving a false statement to an immigration officer?
Article 23 is a separate and lower offence: giving a false statement with the intent of evading the law carries imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, and the court may order deportation.
Which charge is brought depends on whether a document was forged or only a statement was false. The distinction affects both the penalty and whether deportation is mandatory.
What should I do first?
Do not contact the agent to settle things
Keep the messages and payments as they are.
Collect the documents
Passport, visa or permit, receipts and the agent's details.
Tell your lawyer what you knew and when
Knowledge is the key issue.
Do not leave without checking
Check for a ban or warrant first.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is visa fraud punished by prison?
Article 24 provides imprisonment not exceeding ten years for forging or knowingly using a forged visa or residence permit.
Is deportation automatic?
Article 24(3) says the court must order deportation of the foreigner in all cases.
Can an innocent person be charged for using a forged visa?
A charge can be brought, but using a forged document requires that the person knew it was forged. Your lawyer examines what you knew.
Is a false statement a lesser offence?
Article 23 carries up to six months and/or a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, with deportation at the court's discretion.
Related guides
Immigration & Visa Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewIllegal Entry
What the law says about entering the UAE unlawfully, helping others to do so, and the consequences.
Read the guideVisa Overstay
What happens when a visa or residence permit ends and you are still in the UAE, how the fines work, and when it becomes a criminal matter.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 (Entry and Residence of Foreigners), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 16 September 2021. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.