A positive step to root out illegals

As the grace period given to illegal workers to leave the country ended on November 3, the authorities have announced a series of stringent measures that will ensure no illegal residents remain in the country. More than 340,000 people have benefited from the government's offer.

The UAE is determined to deal with the issue of illegal workers on a permanent basis. This is embedded in the new package of measures including deportation of those who fail to abide by the law as well as stricter measures against employers who harbour illegal workers.

On their part, employers should also cooperate with the authorities by not hiring those who are illegal. In the long run, this will organise the country's labour market.

The announced measures are indeed a positive step and will assist the authorities in rooting out the problem once and for all. At the same time, they will assist in maintaining the country's security.