Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has arrested 53 infiltrators and illegal residents, all Asians, hiding in Sharjah's industrial area.
"The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs [GDRFA] department suspected a number of people ... that showed signs of being infiltrators or illegals ..." said Major General Nasser Bin Al Awadi Al Menhali, assistant undersecretary for Naturalisation, Residence and Ports Affairs.
The teams that carried out the raid wore disguises matching illegal residents' clothing, in order to prevent suspicion. The first team was monitored from afar, while a second team was responsible for carrying out the investigation to confirm their illegal entry and status in the country. The ministry's third team raided the location at midnight after acquiring permission from the public prosecution.
Major General Al Menhali urged the public to report any suspicious activities or behaviour related to illegal residents to the authorities.
"These illegal residents are deviants from the law," said Major General Al Menhali. "It is important to report any illegal residents to maintain national security of everyone living in this country."
"The GDRFA teams are always on alert to capture any illegals. They will work day and night to apprehend them and those who help them escape the law. Both will face legal action," he said.
Call: Sahem hotline
Major General Nasser Bin Al Awadi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary for Naturalisation, Residence and Ports Affairs at the Interior Ministry, asked the public to call the 24-hour hotline for "Sahem" ("contribute" in Arabic) 800-80 to report illegals.
