Dubai, UAE – July 27, 2025: The UAE has intensified its immigration enforcement following the conclusion of its recent visa amnesty program, leaving thousands of expatriates at risk of deportation. Over 32,000 individuals have been arrested for overstaying their visas, with Dubai implementing particularly stringent measures. The amnesty, designed to allow expatriates to regularize their status or exit without penalties, ended recently, and authorities are now targeting non-compliant individuals.
In Dubai, expatriates who lose their jobs must leave the country immediately, as residency permits tied to employment are revoked promptly. Failure to comply results in swift arrest and deportation. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has deployed robust monitoring systems to identify violators, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to regulating its expatriate population, which constitutes nearly 90% of its 10 million residents.
Expatriates are urged to ensure their visas and residency documents are valid. Those facing job loss should contact the ICP or visit www.icp.gov.ae for guidance on exit procedures or extensions. Limited post-amnesty support may be available at designated centers, but strict enforcement is now the norm. Trusted sources like Khaleej Times and Gulf News provide updates on compliance requirements.
This crackdown underscores the UAE’s balancing act between welcoming global talent and enforcing immigration laws, urging expatriates to stay proactive to avoid legal repercussions.
