Dh20,000 fine for 'visa trading' firms in UAE

Companies involved in visa trading without any other business will be fined Dh20,000 in line with a federal cabinet decision that was enforced in August.

The penalty could reach Dh50,000 in case the company repeated that offence within a year, according to the new decision issued by the Dubai-based daily Al Bayan.

It said the decision is intended to crack down on “fake” companies which are registered in the UAE but are not involved in any business except trading in visas for expatriates.

“This is a very serious phenomenon as it gives rise to illegal migrants at a time when the country is locked in a drive to end anarchy and ensure stability,” the paper said, quoted an official at the ministry of interior.