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Abu Dhabi: As the grace period given to illegal workers to leave the country ends on November 3, authorities are now gearing up to take stringent measures to ensure no illegal residents remain in the country.
A campaign titled "Together against illegal immigration" has been launched by the Ministry of Interior, urging members of the community to stop supporting illegal residents by providing them with work or shelter.
Authorities not only reiterated that no means would be spared in rooting out the problem, but also stressed the importance of the role of the citizens in working hand in hand with officials. The campaign would run until November 10 and would focus on educating the public about the dangers of employing illegals.
Saif Al Sha'afar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, said that strict measures would be taken against those who go against the law. The campaign was launched under the directives of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Interior Minister.
"Legalising the status of all residents in the country is important to avoid the negative aspects caused by illegal people. Newspapers, publications, radio and television media would be used to reach out to the public and create awareness", Al Sha'afar said.
Police said that every citizen must cooperate with officials by reporting offences and bringing violators to the law.
A statement by police said: "One must not think that the illegal person is poor and weak, let him make a living ... because many illegals resort to crimes that affects one and all in the society. Also the illegal person himself is exploited by people employing him and there is no protection for the rights of such a person."
Enough time given
Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy and Planning, said illegals have been given ample time to leave or legalise their stay. She said the amnesty was a humanitarian gesture by the government.
Crime: Police keep track of absconders
- T.T.B, an Ethiopian housemaid, who was illegally staying in the country was employed with a family in Al Ain. The maid broke the safe and stole money and jewellery worth Dh250,000. The police got the contact of a friend of the housemaid, who was also an illegal. Their apartment was raided and they were arrested.
- An Asian absconding worker broke into a cab in Abu Dhabi late at night. He was surprised to find the cab driver sleeping on the back seat. The man hit him on the head with a metal bar and then fled the scene as the driver shouted for help. The man was caught later by the officials.
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