UAE Introduces Strict Visa Rules To Enhance National Security, Imposing Hefty Fines And Prison Terms For Illegal Immigration And Misuse Of Travel Visas

Published on December 10, 2025

The UAE has introduced strict visa rules to enhance national security, aiming to tackle illegal immigration, trafficking, and the misuse of travel visas. The new federal law imposes hefty fines and prison terms for violators, including those involved in document forgery and unauthorized employment on tourist visas. These measures are part of a broader effort to secure the country’s borders and ensure that foreign nationals respect the terms of their visas, ultimately reinforcing the integrity of the UAE’s immigration system and protecting the nation from security threats.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently introduced a comprehensive federal law aimed at addressing the growing concerns related to illegal immigration, trafficking, and the misuse of travel visas. With the country’s focus on safeguarding national security, this law places heavy penalties on those found violating visa terms and engaging in fraudulent activities, thereby strengthening its immigration protocols and ensuring that individuals entering the country adhere to the purpose of their visa.

This move follows the UAE’s ongoing efforts to create a secure environment and a transparent immigration system, one that holds offenders accountable through strict legal measures. The new regulations aim to tackle illegal infiltration, document forgery, and organized trafficking, as well as ensure that the intentions behind visa issuances are strictly followed.

Hefty Fines and Prison Terms for Violators

Under the new law, those involved in organized trafficking or found guilty of facilitating illegal entry into the UAE will face fines ranging from Dh 100,000 to Dh 5 million. This vast spectrum of fines is intended to reflect the severity of the crime and deter potential violators. The law specifically targets cases involving multiple offenders and organized trafficking networks, where the penalties can escalate significantly.

Along with substantial financial penalties, violators could also be subjected to a minimum of two months in prison, depending on the nature of the crime and its impact on national security. This combination of hefty fines and imprisonment underscores the seriousness with which the UAE is approaching these issues, aiming to maintain control over its borders while discouraging any illegal activities that could threaten the country’s stability.

Ensuring Compliance with Visa Purpose

One of the key aspects of the new law is the reinforcement of the purpose of travel for which the visa was originally issued. The UAE government has stated that ensuring foreigners comply with the terms of their visa is essential to maintaining national security and public order. As part of the regulations, anyone found using their visa for purposes other than what was originally stated, such as working on a visit or tourist visa, could face a fine starting at Dh 10,000.

The law aims to prevent individuals from exploiting tourist visas to work illegally in the country, which could lead to an oversupply of unauthorized workers and create unfair competition within the job market. The penalty for visa misuse is not only limited to a fine but could also lead to imprisonment, depending on the offense. This is an effort to prevent visa holders from violating the system, and to ensure that those entering the UAE are adhering to the rules and respecting the purpose of their travel.

Crackdown on Document Forgery

Another significant development under the new law is the criminalization of forging residency documents, a direct threat to state security. This issue has been a persistent problem in many countries, including the UAE, where counterfeit residency documents could potentially allow unauthorized individuals to enter the country and pose a security risk. The UAE now considers such acts to be serious offenses that jeopardize public safety.

Those caught forging residency documents, or those involved in any form of document manipulation that compromises national security, will face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates hefty penalties, which will be determined based on the type of forged document and how it was misused. The UAE authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate any form of forgery, as it directly undermines the integrity of the immigration system and poses serious risks to the state.

Impact on Pakistani Nationals and Stricter Visa Issuances

In addition to the crackdown on illegal immigration and trafficking, the UAE has also imposed stricter visa regulations on Pakistani nationals. Following concerns over criminal activities involving certain Pakistani citizens, including some using visit visas to engage in illegal practices such as begging, the UAE has decided to stop issuing visas to Pakistani citizens. This move was taken after numerous reports indicated that a significant number of individuals from Pakistan had entered the UAE under tourist visas and then engaged in illegal activities.

The situation has been exacerbated by individuals violating the terms of their visas, which has led to the UAE implementing more prolonged procedures and special approvals for ordinary passport holders from Pakistan. This stricter approach to visa issuance is aimed at mitigating the risks posed by these activities while ensuring that only individuals who genuinely meet the visa requirements are granted entry into the UAE.

As a result of these new restrictions, Pakistani nationals now face delayed entry processes, and the UAE government has emphasized that ordinary passport holders need to secure special approvals before applying for visas. These measures have been implemented to curb the increasing number of cases involving Pakistani nationals entering the UAE and misusing their visit visas, thereby undermining the country’s security measures.

Enhanced National Security Measures

This law is part of a broader effort by the UAE to enhance national security and protect the country from any external threats. By tightening immigration laws and ensuring that foreign nationals respect the visa terms, the UAE is taking proactive steps to safeguard its borders from potential security threats. It is also a measure aimed at ensuring the country’s immigration system remains robust, transparent, and free from exploitation.

The UAE’s decision to clamp down on document forgery and misuse of visas comes after several years of growing concerns over illegal immigration and its associated risks. While the country has been known for its relatively open visa policies in the past, the rise in illegal activities such as human trafficking, visa abuse, and the use of fraudulent documents has forced the government to rethink its approach.

By enforcing these stringent measures, the UAE hopes to reinforce its position as a leading destination for both business and tourism, while maintaining a strict control over its immigration policies. The country is also sending a strong message to other nations and individuals seeking to exploit its visa system: the UAE will not tolerate violations, and offenders will face severe consequences.

Moving Forward

As the UAE continues to evolve its immigration policies, travelers should be aware of the stricter visa requirements and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to the terms of their visas. The law is not just about penalizing wrongdoers; it is also about sending a message of zero tolerance for immigration violations while promoting safe, legal, and responsible travel to the country.

The UAE’s latest measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to securing its borders and ensuring that those who enter the country do so legally and responsibly. As the country moves forward, both visitors and residents will need to remain vigilant and adhere to the newly established laws, which aim to create a safer, more secure environment for everyone.

UAE has introduced strict visa rules to enhance national security by imposing heavy fines and prison terms for illegal immigration, trafficking, and visa misuse. These measures aim to ensure that foreign nationals comply with the intended purpose of their visas and protect the country from security threats.

With these comprehensive changes, the UAE is poised to make a significant stride in improving national security, while offering a fair and lawful approach to handling foreign nationals within its borders.