Abu Dhabi: In a country-wide hunt for illegal residents, the Ministry of Interior nabbed a total of 457 violators in the past few days.

A total of 268 residency visa law violators were arrested in Abu Dhabi, 95 in Al Ain, 54 in Ajman and 40 in Ras Al Khaimah.

Major General Nasser Bin Al Awadi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, praised the public’s cooperation that helped authorities track down the illegal residents.

Last week a nation-wide campaign, “No to Violators”, was launched to create awareness against illegal immigration.

The campaign, organised by the Directorate of Following-up on Violators and Foreigners Affairs, which was set up by the Ministry of Interior, aims to encourage citizens and residents to fight the phenomenon of infiltration into the UAE by helping the authorities track down the violators.

Al Menhali said that the campaign was launched as per the directives of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Al Menhali said that the inspection visits fall within the framework of efforts by the directorate and its affiliated sections to curb the number of infiltrators to the country.

He pointed out that the inspection campaigns will be intensified in various areas and neighbourhoods, and that the violators will be referred to the relevant bodies to take necessary legal procedures.

Al Menhali urged the public to get involved and contribute to the efficiency of the campaign by calling the 24 hour toll free number (80080) to report any infiltrators and violators of the residency law to bolster security and safety in the UAE.