9,824 illegal residents arrested across UAE

Abu Dhabi: About 9,824 illegal residents were arrested during the first quarter of 2009, a senior immigration official has said.

"From January 1 to April 27, 9,824 illegal residents were arrested by the immigration departments across the country," said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadhi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of Naturalisation and Residency Department.

Amongst those caught, 2,766 persons were referred to the prosecution for action as they were involved in illegal activities or crime, he said.

The number of infiltrators entering the country stands high at 783 during the four-month period.

While in January, 153 infiltrators were booked, the numbers were 246 in February, 267 in March and 117 in April.

Brigadier Al Minhali said the departments will continue ongoing efforts to jail and deport illegal residents.

He called on the public to cooperate with authorities by reporting such people as they are a potential threat to the safety and security of the society.