Dubai Fines 21 People AED25 Million for Biggest Visa Scam Involving Fake Firms

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai, UAE – In one of the largest visa fraud cases in the country, the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Court has found 21 individuals guilty of illegally using residence visas to exploit workers through fake companies. The group, made up of people from various nationalities, has been fined a total of AED 25.210 million. These companies were set up only on paper and were used to issue residence visas for workers, but were later shut down without regularising the legal status of those workers.

Counsellor Dr. Ali Humaid bin Khatem, Senior Advocate General and Head of the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution explained that the case began when the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai noticed suspicious activity linked to several companies. After further monitoring and inspections, it was discovered that these offices didn’t actually exist. The businesses were created solely to obtain visas illegally, without any real intention of operating as legitimate companies.

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After the arrests were made, the defendants were referred to the Citizenship and Residency Prosecution for a thorough investigation. Evidence was gathered, and the case was brought before the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Court, which eventually issued the conviction. The investigation revealed that 33 fake commercial establishments were involved and that 385 residency visas had been misused under false pretenses. Many of the business licenses were secured using made-up addresses, pointing to a clear attempt to break residency and labor rules for personal gain.

Dr. Bin Khatem stressed that the Public Prosecution will continue to work closely with government departments to stop such illegal actions. He added that protecting society and maintaining a lawful, fair job market are top priorities. This case sends a clear message that Dubai is serious about cracking down on visa abuse and will take strong legal action against anyone attempting to take advantage of the system.