Authorities in Dubai have permanently shuttered a women’s beauty salon after a coordinated inspection uncovered significant breaches of labor and residency regulations. The operation, conducted as part of ongoing compliance efforts, revealed five female employees working without valid work permits.
Investigators determined that all five workers had originally entered the United Arab Emirates on visit visas. Two individuals had overstayed their visas without renewal or penalty payment, while three others were found to be working illegally despite holding technically valid visit documents. UAE immigration regulations explicitly prohibit employment on visit visas, requiring proper labor approval and work permits before commencing any professional duties.
The salon owner faced separate violations, discovered to be operating the establishment while holding a work permit tied to another business entity. For approximately eighteen months, she had managed the salon independently while employing workers without proper sponsorship transfers or authorization.
During judicial proceedings conducted via video conference, all parties admitted to the violations. The court imposed substantial penalties: fines for all workers operating without permits, one-month prison sentences or alternative fines for the two visa overstayers followed by deportation, and a significant AED 50,000 fine for the owner—multiplied by the number of unauthorized employees.
This case occurs within the context of broader enforcement initiatives. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), UAE authorities apprehended over 32,000 visa violators during the first half of this year. These inspections represent sustained efforts to ensure foreign nationals comply with the country’s residence and employment legislation, particularly within sectors like beauty and fitness that directly impact public health and safety standards.