|
Dubai: Companies that have employed illegal residents must apply for outpasses for them so that they can leave the country by November 3. A record number of illegal residents, more than 278,000, have availed of the amnesty in the past three months, it was announced yesterday. The amnesty, which was extended recently, is a "golden opportunity" for illegal residents to leave the country without having to pay fines, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, said. In a statement carried by WAM to mark the end of the original amnesty, the minister hoped that all illegal residents would immediately approach naturalisation departments across the country to finalise their departure procedures, and not wait for the last moment, to avoid any legal repercussion. 'Doors are open'
Brigadier Mohammad Salem Bin Owaida Al Khaili, Director General of the General Department of Naturalisation and Residency, told Gulf News illegal residents and workers can apply for amnesty until November 3 to obtain outpasses and leave the country without being fined. "The doors are also open for all companies that employ illegal workers to apply for outpasses for those individuals to enable them to leave the UAE without fines," Brig. Al Khaili said. Illegal residents who want to leave the country should apply as soon as possible and should not wait till the end of the new deadline, he said. Brig. Al Khaili explained that illegal workers and residents who want to legalise their stay will be able to do so after the end of the original amnesty today but they have to pay accumulated fines due to both the Ministry of Interior and the Labour Ministry. "Companies and even families - who have members who are illegal residents - will be given the chance to amend the residency status by paying fines until the end of the amnesty extension period on November 3," he said. "After that illegal residents will face the full force of the law." Brigadier Al Khaili said inspections to nab illegal residents will start on November 4. He said those who continue to hire illegal workers would face "severe legal repercussions" after November 3. "People are advised to apply before the end of the newly given two-month period to avoid penalties or punishment," Brigadier Al Khaili said. "Companies that have employed illegal residents must apply for outpasses for them so that they can leave the country by November 3. They can legalise the workers situation until November 3 by paying fines."
Inspection drive to start on November 4 Amnesty is granted on June 3 to all illegal residents to either leave the country or legalise their stay . On August 29 the amnesty is extended until November 3 giving illegal residents who want to leave the country another two months to exit without paying fines. A senior official says illegal residents would be allowed to legalise their stay but they have to pay fines issued by the Labour Ministry and the Interior Ministry. Inspection campaigns will start on November 4 to crack down on those who violate the labour and residency laws.
|
