Citizenship and Residency Court uncovers one of the emirate’s largest phantom visa operations involving 385 illegal permits and millions in penalties.
In a major move to reinforce the integrity of its residency and immigration systems, Dubai’s Citizenship and Residency Court has convicted 21 individuals of various nationalities in connection with a large-scale visa fraud scheme — one of the most significant cases of its kind in the emirate’s history.
The group was found guilty of orchestrating a phantom visa operation, illegally issuing 385 residency permits and reaping financial gains through fraudulent means. The court imposed a total of $6.86 million in fines, marking a strong stance against immigration fraud and illegal residency practices.
Authorities revealed that the defendants had exploited the visa issuance process to fabricate residency permits for individuals who were not entitled to them. These actions not only violated UAE immigration laws but also posed serious risks to the legal framework designed to manage the movement and settlement of foreign nationals in the country.
Dubai’s legal system acted swiftly and decisively. The court proceedings, held under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Court, reflected the seriousness of the violations, with judges emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the UAE’s immigration policies against abuse and exploitation.
This landmark case is a reminder of the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy toward fraud and document falsification, especially in matters involving national security and legal residency. The convictions serve both as a deterrent to future offenses and a message of reassurance to residents and businesses that the rule of law remains paramount.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for investment, tourism, and skilled migration, maintaining the integrity of its visa and residency processes remains a top priority for the authorities.
