Abu Dhabi to take tough action on rough sleepers

Abu Dhabi: People found sleeping rough in the emirate will face steep fines, a senior official has warned.

“Although it is not a big problem in Abu Dhabi, we have taken steps to curb illegal residents and to maintain the image of the city'', said Omar Mohammad Al Hashemi, Head of the City Image Management Section at Abu Dhabi Municipality.

He said City Image inspectors had found some people sleeping rough in public places such as parks and shops.

“A fine of Dh500 will be imposed on violators. If it is repeated, the fine will be Dh1,000 and Dh3,000 will be imposed for the third offence,'' said Hashimi.

He said inspectors will also check the legal status of people sleeping rough.

Al Hashemi said strict action would be taken against people using their shops for cooking and sleeping. The violators have to pay a Dh1,500 fine and if repeated the offence will attract a Dh3,000 fine. On the third offence, violators will be fined Dh5,000, said Al Hashemi.

Residents praised the move, saying it would help to keep away illegal residents and maintain the security of commercial cum residential buildings.

“Following the strict action by authorities illegal workers are not taken in by landlords and they find shelter in public places like parks,'' said Mohammad Reza, a long-term resident of Abu Dhabi.

He said the “illegal menace'' was encouraged by some people as they engage these workers in part-time jobs such as loading and unloading.

“They don't bother about official action as they engage workers on short shifts.'' Strict action against people sleeping in public places can check illegal residents, which in turn ensures security. Another resident said he had seen shopkeepers using their space for cooking which is a fire hazard.

“Most of the shops are in residential buildings and this practice is a threat to the security of families living on the top floors'', said Mohammad Iqbal, another long-term resident. He said strict action by the municipality could prevent this.