Opinion | Editorials
There is no place for illegal workers
Amnesty is a welcome relief for those who have not regularised their work status.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 June 5, 2007
The amnesty for illegal workers which gives them three months to regularise their status or face expulsion will be a welcome relief to thousands of workers.
The booming economy in the United Arab Emirates is a magnet for workers the world over. Most are here legally but a large number arrive illegally hoping to better their lot in life.
They then become trapped. Unable to enjoy the benefits that other workers have, these illegal workers have little say in their lives. The sooner their status is cleared up the better, especially for them. Every bustling economy has to deal with illegal workers. Offering them an amnesty is a sensible way of giving them a choice in their lives. If they choose to leave they will be able to do so. If they chose to stay they will have the benefits of permanent employment. This gives the illegal workers a say in their destiny. At the end of the grace period any firm that continues to hire illegals will face tough fines. It is a piece of legislation that is timely, necessary and sensible. It gives illegal workers a second chance.
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