Dubai court fines business owner Dh400,000 for hiring workers illegally

Some employees were living in the country even after their tourist visas expired

The business owner was caught when two female workers reported him to the authorities after they failed to receive their salaries. AFP

A Dubai court has fined a business owner Dh400,000 ($109,000) for hiring some workers illegally and for failing to get employment documents for others.

Dubai prosecutors said the man, who owns and runs a human resources consultancy, employed a number of workers who were not under his company’s sponsorship.

He also hired others who were staying in the UAE illegally after their tourist visas expired.

“They worked for the offender for nearly a year as sales executives, clerks and co-ordinators and have been paid their full wages,” said senior prosecutor Faisal Ahli.

“He was caught when two female workers reported him to the authorities.

“The two women were sent by the business owner to work for a number of families but were not paid their wages.”

It was not made clear when the incident came to light or how many workers were involved.

During questioning, the man admitted to breaching labour laws.

“He confessed to being solely in charge of his business and admitted being responsible for employing workers without obtaining proper approvals and permits,” Mr Ahli said.

The Dubai Court of Residency and Naturalisation ordered the deportation of seven workers and fined each one of them Dh1,000.