Over 350 illegal immigrants arrested in past month

Abu Dhabi: Over 350 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the past one month, according to the Ministry of Interior.

During the past one month (until August 21) 298 illegals were nabbed in Sharjah as part of the ongoing campaign against illegal residents. A total of 18 inspections were carried out by the Sharjah Department of Naturalisation and Residence, as per the instructions of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Interior Minister.

Dozens of campaigns have been organised every month since the end of the amnesty period last year leading to the arrest of hundreds of people who flout the law of entry and residence.

Among the arrested, 48 were found to be infiltrators while 105 people were working illegally in private sector companies. Three others were caught working under someone who is not their original sponsor. A total of 75 were employed as domestic workers, 65 misused visit visas and 2 misused mission visas.

“The phenomenon of illegal immigrants is seen to be reducing in the Emirate (of Sharjah)'', said Colonel Dr. Abdullah Ali Bin Sahoa, the Director of Sharjah Naturalisation and Residence department. He urged the public to cooperate with the authorities and appealed not to provide illegals with shelter or employment.

The effect of the ongoing campaign is evident in public places, he said. He reaffirmed the decision to eradicate those staying and working in the country against the law. Brigadier Sahoa also praised the efforts of the Sharjah Police and labour ministry for their efforts in educating the community about the dangers posed by the ‘phenomenon of violators'.

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi 55 violators were arrested in recent inspections. Three amongst those arrested were infiltrators. Officials said that inspections are being conducted on a daily basis at key areas such as construction sites, shops, service companies in residential areas etc.