Dubai: Members of the public are being encouraged to immediately report illegal workers who approach them for a job, said a senior official.
Major-General Mohammad Al Merri, Director General of The Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department in Dubai, told Gulf News: "If any absconding maid or worker wants to work illegally for you or someone you know, you should immediately and quietly contact the Amer service on 8005111 who will come to your home or work place to catch them without any trouble or noise," he said.
People hiring maids who have absconded from their original employers will face a fine of Dh50,000 while hiring an illegal worker or maid will incur a Dh100,000 fine and a jail term, he said.
Al Merri said his department was conducting a survey of maids who had worked legally for families in Dubai for many years to find out how they had managed to stay with the same family for such a long time.
"I have noticed that domestic helpers from the Philippines are the main ones who work for the same family for many years," he said.
Meanwhile, as part of the Residency Department's goal to follow up helper issues, Al Merri held a meeting on Monday with all helpers from the department.
"This is the second meeting we have organised with our helpers at the department in order to encourage them to give their best," he said.
"We are here to listen to them and to listen to their issues and problems," he added.
"We have to appreciate their work and efforts," he said.
Amer service
- Residents can contact Amer service on 8005111
