The law enforcement agencies of Dubai have sent out a reminder through social media that the forgery of visas, residence permits, or other official documents is illegal. Violation can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years.
The punishment is regulated by Article 24 of Federal Decree-Law No. 29/2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners. It applies not only to individuals who forge documents but also to those who use them, knowing that they are counterfeit.
In 2022 alone, over 10,500 illegal residents were held criminally responsible in the UAE. Among the violators were individuals who:
- were evading justice;
- had entered the country illegally;
- were in the country with an expired visa or residence permit;
- were working without official authorization.