103,000 illegals held in Dubai in five years

DUBAI — Khamis Matter Al Mazina, Director of General Department of Criminal Investigation, Dubai Police, has warned against the increasing number of infiltrators in Dubai and recommended punitive measures and stringent actions to ensure that both the infiltrators and their associates are prosecuted and severely punished.

Amira Agarib

Published: Sun 3 Dec 2006, 9:27 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Nov 2023, 3:22 PM

Al Mazina pointed out that around 103,000 infiltrators and residency law violators were arrested in Dubai during last five years and added that if strict measures were not taken to check this phenomenon, it would have a serious impact on the society.

“In the year 2005, the number of infiltrators detained by Dubai Police had reached 38,062,” said Al Mazina. The large number of infiltrators entailed a social and security burden on the country.

Commenting on the security aspect, he said, “The infiltrators sometimes end up committing crimes, particularly when they fail to gain employment. They have been found involved in theft, murder, drug trafficking, smuggling, armed robbery or simple fraudulent activities. The infiltrators have no record at UAE criminal records system and it becomes difficult to trace them if involved in criminal work.”

Besides, the infiltrators are not subject to any law of the country and pose risks to the community members because majority of these infiltrators are carriers of many diseases.

Since they are not subject to any medical check ups, the health authorities even cannot reach the source of these diseases. Also, most of the infiltrators are illiterate and allegedly spread wrong ideas and thoughts which are not in line with UAE religion and traditions.

According to Al Mazina, infiltration is also having a negative impact on the economy because some infiltrators have been found involved in peddling prohibited goods, pirated DVDs and drugs.

However, the UAE coast guards are playing an important role in arresting the infiltrators who try to enter the country from South Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

But, the authorities concerned are faced with difficulties in curtailing the infiltrators because of the long sea and land borders of the country.

The geographical distribution of islands, bays, hilly areas and valleys along UAE borders prove to be a hindrance to contain the menace.

Highlighting the rise in the phenomenon recently, Al Mazina said that UAE has become a preferred destination for immigrants over other countries in the region because of its growing economic prospects, local stability and the emergence of Dubai as a business hub.

Most of the infiltrators do not carry passport or any official documents and the embassies in most cases are not able to recognise their identity and therefore find it difficult to issue travel documents allowing them to leave the country.

Meanwhile, Al Mazina disclosed that the General Department of Criminal Investigation has launched a campaign against the infiltrators warning the people and companies against employing infiltrators. If found employing them, companies will have to pay Dh10,000 fine and bear legal responsibility.

According to Article No 32 of the Federal law those who transport the infiltrates are considered partners in crime, said Al Mazina, urging the media in particular to play an important role in highlighting the adverse effects of infiltration on the expatriate labour market in the country.