A recent inspection of a women’s beauty salon in Dubai has resulted in significant penalties for its owner and staff due to serious labor and residency violations. Authorities discovered five women working without the required permits, leading to a Dh50,000 fine for the owner and legal consequences, including deportation, for the workers.
Multiple Violations Uncovered
During a joint inspection, officials found that the salon was operating in breach of several UAE laws. The investigation revealed that not only were the five employees working illegally, but the owner herself was also in violation of her own employment status.
The owner held a work permit for a different company but had never reported for duty there. Instead, she had been independently operating the salon for approximately 18 months. During this time, she hired the five workers without securing the necessary labor permits or processing their sponsorships correctly.
Workers on Visit Visas
Investigations revealed that all five workers had entered the UAE on visit visas. Two had overstayed without renewing their visas or paying fines, while the remaining three were employed illegally despite having valid visit visas, Emarat Al Youm reported.
The court imposed fines on all workers for working without permits. In addition, the two overstayers were sentenced to one month in prison or given an alternative fine for illegal residence, and both were ordered to be deported. The salon owner was fined Dh50,000 for employing workers not under her sponsorship, with the court stating that the penalty is multiplied by the number of employees found working illegally under her.
Working while on a visit visa is a serious violation of UAE labor regulations. Visit visas are strictly intended for tourism, family visits, or business meetings, not for engaging in any form of paid work. Individuals caught working under such visas risk hefty fines, possible jail time, and deportation. The authorities continue to enforce these laws to maintain the integrity of the country’s labor system.
Legal Repercussions
The case moved swiftly through the legal system. All individuals involved, including the owner and the five workers, confessed to the violations during questioning by the Public Prosecution. They later confirmed their admissions before the court through a video conference.
The court imposed fines on each of the five workers for working without a permit. The two employees with expired visas received an additional one-month jail sentence (with the option of a fine) and were ordered to be deported from the country. This case serves as a stern reminder of the UAE’s strict enforcement of labor and residency laws and the severe consequences for those who attempt to bypass them.