Sharjah: Police arrested 90 illegal residents last week as part of a campaign launched in the emirate to stem loitering in public places, a police official said.

The suspects were Egyptian, Sudanese, Jordanian, Lebanese, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Ethiopian. The official said they had either illegally entered the country or absconded from their sponsors.

They are believed to have engaged in illegal activities to earn money quickly by begging, gambling or selling items on the street.

The official said the campaign is ongoing. He called on the public to cooperate by avoiding beggars and street vendors.

People can also call 999 or the toll-free number 800 151.