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.
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Threat of German amnesia
By Joschka Fischer, Special to Gulf News
Rarely has the country been as isolated as it is now. Hardly anyone understands its dogmatic austerity policy, which goes against all experience
-
Moral implication of America's security mindset
By Gordon Robison, Special to Gulf News
After a decade in which torture became official government policy, America’s moral standing when it comes to looking at other governments’ human rights failings is much-diminished
-
Europe's salvation lies in euro's demise
By Bruce Anderson
A return to national currencies is the only hope, but it won’t be easy or cost-free
Your turn
Popular in Opinion
