UAE Raises Fines to Dh5 Million and Adds Jail Time for Serious Visa and Residency Violations
UAE Issues Immediate Travel Ban on Mali, Tells Citizens Abroad to Return
UAE Passport Climbs to 8th in Henley Index, Offering Visa-Free Access to 184 Destinations
Latest News
Dubai Tops List as 1,310 Flight Delays Hit Middle-East Hubs in a Single Day
More than 1,300 flights were delayed across Middle-East airports on 10 December, with Dubai International accounting for nearly a quarter of the total. The disruption hit business travellers hard and highlights capacity and weather vulnerabilities as Gulf hubs enter peak season.
Pakistani Workers Told to Strictly Observe UAE’s Tougher Immigration Rules
Pakistani media are sounding the alarm after the UAE introduced fines of up to Dh5 million for residency violations. With over a million Pakistanis working in the Emirates, employers and workers are scrambling to ensure full compliance, underscoring the corporate risk of relying on improperly sponsored labour.
UAE imposes fines of up to Dh5 million and jail for serious residency violations
A new federal law published on 9 December 2025 raises fines for visa and residency violations to as much as Dh5 million and introduces mandatory jail terms for serious offences. The rules target illegal employment, forged documents and those who aid overstayers, signalling the UAE’s toughest stance yet on immigration abuse.
UAE issues travel ban on Mali and urges citizens overseas to return immediately
On 9 December 2025 the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs banned all Emirati travel to Mali and asked citizens already in the country to leave promptly, citing security risks. Companies must halt duty trips for UAE nationals and activate evacuation and insurance protocols for any remaining personnel.
Condor–Etihad codeshare to link Frankfurt & Berlin with daily non-stops to Abu Dhabi
Announced on 9 December 2025, a Condor–Etihad codeshare will introduce daily non-stop services from Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi in mid-2026, boosting business-travel capacity between Germany and the UAE and expanding connection options across Etihad’s global network.
Bangladeshi entrepreneur awarded UAE Golden Visa for investments and job creation
Dubai granted a 10-year Golden Visa to Bangladeshi investor Md Shakib Uddin on 9 December 2025, highlighting the programme’s emphasis on capital investment and job creation. The case provides a blueprint for employers seeking long-term residency for key staff in the UAE.
Emirates launches NBA-themed inflight menus on US and Canada routes
From 9 December 2025 Emirates is serving NBA Cup-themed menus on all North American flights, adding experiential value for business and leisure travellers transiting Dubai during the winter peak.