Work is underway to install a fence along the UAE-Oman border as part of a plan to fight illegal immigration and limit social and security threats by aliens, revealed Maj. Gen. Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior.

Maj. Gen. Al Shafar was addressing a meeting of the Sharjah Consultative Council yesterday, during which the policies and projects of Sharjah Police were discussed.

Maj. Gen. Al Shafar noted that the country is aware of the social and security problems resulting from aliens.

He said that the Armed Forces patrols would be assigned to guard the fence and that entry points will be set up along the fence.

The problem of aliens, he noted, is currently under control.

Maj. Gen. Al Shafar could not provide figures of the number of aliens in the country or say whether the problem is decreasing or increasing.

He explained that the fence would help better control and limit aliens' attempts to enter the country. "However, it will be difficult to fence all the borders, particularly at certain areas such as Al Buraimi area in Al Ain, Al Madam, Hatta, Sih Al Teeba and Sih Al Rodha and Dibba," he added.

Al Madam in particular is considered an important point for security control as it is located at the middle of roads leading to Dubai and Al Dhaid.

"It is a sensitive area to fight aliens," said Maj. Gen. Al Shafar.

The new road connecting Sharjah to Kalba may help aliens' attempting to enter the country because of its proximity to Oman.

"The road is a vital project to meet economic, social and infrastructure needs, but it entails security threats. The road requires intensive efforts from the security perspective to prevent and foil aliens' attempts."

The residency law, he said, which imposes stiff penalties on employers who offer jobs to aliens, has helped ease the problem and control the labour market during the past few years.

"UAE nationals should be more aware of and should show more concern for national security and give priority to public interests over personal welfare," he stressed.

Employing aliens has threatened not only the country's security and society but employers' security as well.