• Home

8,339 illegal residents
held in eight months

DUBAI — The immigration department in Dubai has arrested 8,339 illegal residents so far this year, for breaking residency rules, as part of the intensive raids launched across the emirate, according to a top officer.

“The 8,339 illegals detained between January 1 and September 8, include 6,068 men and 2,271 women,” said Major General Mohammad Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department in Dubai.

He said: “The arrested were referred to the bodies concerned for legal action.”

The Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, in collaboration with the Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and Ministry of Labour, is adopting firm investigation and follow-up regulations.

“Our inspectors save no effort in tracking down and curbing illegal residents and infiltrators who pose a threat to the security and stability of the whole country,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Immigration has agreed for a meeting with the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to deport or amend the position of 80 illegal Filipinos. “The consulate representatives were also asked to refer the immigration complaints they received to the Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department in Dubai to follow up on their problems.”

On July 12 and July 14 this year, the Dubai immigration arrested around 150 illegal Filipinas and 120 Filipinos for illegally working in Dubai. Again on July 25, as many as 119 illegal Filipinas who worked part time were detained. Under the UAE labour laws, holders of employment visas from other sponsors are not allowed to work part time for any event unless permitted by the sponsor. And, visit visa holders are not allowed to work.

Major Al Marri said hefty fines would be imposed and legal action would be taken against violators. “As per law, a jail term not less than two months and a fine of Dh50,000 shall be slapped against any employer who provides work or safe haven to an illegal expatriate or worker not on his/her sponsorship.”

Major Al Marri called upon UAE nationals and residents of Dubai to report against illegals, be they infiltrators, residents, workers or sponsors. Complaints can be mad through toll-free ‘AMER service’.

“The ‘8005111’ hotline, which is available round the clock to receive public complaints and suggestions, offers several communication options, including toll-free number, fax and e-mail,” he said.— ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE