UAE | Government
Ministry employees 'issued more than 3,000 illegal work permits'
The Ministry of Labour on Wednesday announced that more than 3,000 illegal work permits have been issued by its own staff and that the ministry may proceed to press charges against those involved.
- By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter
- Published: 14:58 June 25, 2008
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour on Wednesday announced that more than 3,000 illegal work permits have been issued by its own internal staff and the ministry may press charges against those involved.
In a brave move by the ministry to highlight its own commitment to transparency, it revealed its own investigation at a press conference on Wednesday.
"As you can imagine, this was a disastrous shock for us. We were completely baffled with this discovery. However, one of our pillars in the ministry is transparency and therefore we are bringing this issue to public," said the ministry's acting undersecretary Humaid Bin Deemas.
The work permits were issued despite the documents required for them being unavailable and were issued by staff in the ministry's Al Ain's office.
"The ministry has set up a committee to further investigate this matter and has already held several meetings with the employees of the Al Ain office ... the committee has learnt that some of the employees can be criminally charged under the law," the ministry further announced in a press release.
The ministry said not much detail can be given out at this time in order to facilitate further investigation of the case, though it reaffirmed its commitment to help officials throughout the process. Until official charges have been laid and the ministry completes its investigation process, the names of the accused are being withheld.
"At this point we are devoting a lot of our efforts for investigating this case. It's too early to point fingers," Bin Deemas added. "As much as this troubles us, we are hoping to send a very clear message that no one is above the law."
The ministry has set up a committee to further investigate this matter and has already held several meetings with the employees of the Al Ain office."
Ministry of Labour press statement
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
