No Visa Dh81000 Fines – How A Dubai Expat Recovered The Passports of 8 Workers

No Visa Dh 81000 Fines – How A Dubai Expat Recovered The Passports of 8 Workers. In the UAE, working without a valid work visa is illegal. Still, many migrant workers find themselves in vulnerable situations. Exploitative employment practices often contribute It highlights the story of a group of undocumented workers. They struggle to break free from a life of exploitation.

This case highlights the broader issue of unfair labor practices. It emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of labor laws. Such enforcement is necessary to protect the rights of workers in the UAE.

The Case of Foresail and the Hidden Struggles of Undocumented Workers

Jessica Madi, a British expat residing in the UAE, has become an unexpected hero for a group of undocumented workers. The story began when Jessica often employed a domestic worker, Foresail, through a prominent cleaning agency. Still, the situation worsened when Noresil arrived at Jessica’s home on April 9, 2025. She was limping due to a foot injury. Upon asking if Noresil had seen a doctor, the worker revealed that she had no health insurance. She can not afford a visit to the clinic. This was mainly because she didn’t have a valid work visa.Job Seeker Services

She learned that Noresil had been working illegally in the UAE for months. Her employer neglected to give her a proper work visa. After calling Noresil’s employer, N.E., Jessica overheard the employer’s hostile behavior. The behavior included insults. The employer also refused to offer any valid explanation for the worker’s illegal employment status.

Determined to help, Jessica raised a complaint with Justlife, the platform through which she booked Noresil’s cleaning services. Instead, he was working through a third party agency. This information left Jessica frustrated, as she had assumed the agency had thoroughly vetted its workers.

Upon further investigation, Jessica learned that Noresil’s situation was far from unique. Many of these workers had entered the UAE on visit visas. To make matters worse, they had also fallen victim to passport confiscation a clear violation of UAE labor laws.Job Seeker Services

Passport Confiscation

According to UAE labor law, passport confiscation is illegal. Employers can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines up to Dh20,000. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Employers like N.E. often exploit vulnerable workers by withholding their passports to control them. Noresil, for example, explained that her employer took her passport after promising her a job. This left her with no choice but to continue working under exploitative conditions.

When Jessica and the other workers reached out to the police, their intervention was swift. This marked a small victory for the workers, but their challenges were far from over.

Visa Overstay Fines

One of the most significant hurdles faced by these workers was the issue of visa overstays. In 2022, the UAE introduced a daily fine of Dh50 for overstaying on all types of visas. This includes tourist, visit, and residency visas. These fines accumulate rapidly. The workers in this case faced a total of Dh81,450 in fines for overstaying their visas.

Unfortunately, this process has proven to be difficult.

It is designed for undocumented workers. This program allows them to regularize their visa status without facing fines. Unfortunately, many of these workers missed the deadline for the 2024 Amnesty program. Alamgir and Tushar were among those affected. They faced issues due to their employer’s stalling tactics. As a result, they were left to deal with hefty fines and uncertain futures.

Tushar, who arrived in the UAE on a visit visa, was promised a work visa by N.E. but never received one. As a result, he now faces Dh33,000 in fines for overstaying his visa. Alamgir had worked under similar conditions. He faced a month’s worth of fines. He also missed the opportunity to regularize his visa during the Amnesty program.Job Seeker Services

Legal Ramifications and the Need for Stronger Enforcement

The UAE labor law is clear about the rights of domestic workers. However, cases like Noresil’s highlight how easily these rights can be violated. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, recruitment agencies are considered employers in temporary employment situations. They are responsible for ensuring that workers have valid visas and documentation. Violations of these laws can result in significant penalties for employers, including imprisonment.Job Seeker Services

The legal system is not always swift in addressing these violations. Many workers are left to fend for themselves. Advocates like Jessica continue to push for greater accountability. They strive for workers’ rights to be upheld. This is true even as they face mounting legal and financial challenges.

How to Seek Relief from Overstay Fines

According to legal experts, there is hope for those who have incurred fines due to overstaying their visas. Courts may waive fines in cases where exploitation is proven. The newly established prosecution unit for domestic workers can advocate for victims’ rights. There is no automatic waiver of fines. Nonetheless, authorities encourage overstayers to come forward voluntarily. This can lead to more lenient treatment.

Now, Jessica is actively working with lawyers to secure the workers’ legal status and waive their fines. Her ultimate goal is to start a cleaning company. It will hire workers ethically and legally. This will allow them to work without fear of exploitation.Job Seeker Services

What Can Be Done to Prevent Exploitation of Workers?

The case of Noresil and the other workers has sparked conversations. People are discussing the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws in the UAE. Recruitment agencies, employers, and government authorities all have a responsibility to make sure that workers are treated fairly and legally. More can be done to stop workers from falling into the trap of illegal employment. This includes better vetting of third-party agencies. Additionally, there should be stricter penalties for employers who violate the law.Job Seeker Services

FAQs About No Visa Dh81000 Fines

Can overstaying fines be waived in the UAE?

Ans: Yes, in cases where exploitation is proven, overstaying fines are waived. Authorities generally encourage overstayers to come ahead voluntarily, which can lead to more lenient treatment.

Is passport confiscation illegal in the UAE?

Ans: Yes, passport confiscation is explicitly prohibited under UAE law. Employers who confiscate workers’ passports can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines up to Dh20,000.

How can workers protect themselves from exploitation in the UAE?

Ans: Workers should make sure they have proper documentation before accepting employment. They should report any violations of labor laws to the authorities or labor unions. Such violations include passport confiscation or lack of a work visa.Job Seeker Services

Conclusion

The story of Noresil and the other workers serves as a stark reminder. It highlights the exploitation that many migrant workers face in the UAE. It also underscores the importance of advocacy. Legal reform and humanitarian action are crucial in ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect. There is hope for a better future for undocumented workers in the UAE. This hope comes through collective efforts. It includes the support of compassionate individuals like Jessica.