More than 6,000 expatriates have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for violating visa-related laws after the deadline for the general amnesty for illegal immigrants expired. This information was reported by the Middle Eastern news outlet Gulf News on Monday, citing the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Authorities stated that over 6,000 expatriates were arrested throughout January during operations targeting visa law violations. Among them, 93% have already been deported.

The UAE government has warned that anyone assisting in violations of residency laws will face imprisonment and a minimum fine of 10,000 dirhams. If an individual hires a law violator without being an official sponsor, they will be fined 50,000 dirhams.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, stated, "The crackdown will continue. We advise the public not to take such violations or violators lightly."

The UAE government had announced a two-month general amnesty for illegal immigrants starting from September 1 last year, later extending it for another two months. During this period, irregular and illegal immigrants residing in the country were encouraged to regularize their status.