The Ministry of Interior warned company and institution owners against breaking the law by hiring illegal workers, which are those violating the Law of Entry and Residence of Foreigners, after the end of the amnesty period. The amnesty period, set by the UAE Government for violators, ends on Monday.
Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports underscored the commitment of the ministry to pursue legal means to curb violators of this law.
He added that this commitment is translated through various mechanisms and methods, notably the existence of legislation and laws regulating the entry and stay of foreigners. Penalties for violators of this law, both individuals and institutions, include fines. The ministry also implements awareness campaigns, undertaken by the Directorates General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, throughout the country.
Major General Al Menhali announced that after the end of the amnesty on February 4th, the ministry will intensify inspection campaigns at the UAE level to detain violators. He pointed out that inspection teams will not spare any effort leading to the detention and deportation of violators, so as to enhance stability and security in society.
For his part, Brigadier Dr. Abdullah Ali bin Sahoo, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Sharjah, Chairman of the Media Committee, called on all members of society to cooperate with the Ministry of Interior and its efforts to combat the issue of violators, especially after the general amnesty period expires on February 4th.
He noted that the Entry and Residency Law in the UAE imposes a fine of AED 50,000 on employers of individuals who are not being sponsored by them. The law also imposes a fine of AED 50,000 on those who let workers work for another employer without adhering to the rules of sponsorship transfer or acquiring the necessary authorizations.
Furthermore, Brigadier Sahoo lauded the cooperation of various stakeholders in addressing the risks posed by violators, affirming that offenders constitute hotbeds of crime and unemployment, which reflect negatively on the community.
He also urged citizens and residents alike to undertake their social and national duty, by refraining from employing violators, so as to enhance stability and security of the homeland. He pointed out that respecting the Entry and Residency Laws guarantees the community a decent life and contributes to the security and tranquility of all.
The Ministry of Interior called on all members of society, not to hesitate to report violators of the Law of Entry and Residence and communicate any information to the “Sahim” service, once the amnesty ends.
The “Sahim” service is available around-the-clock, on the toll-free number 80080 and is open to anyone wishing to provide information on Law of Entry and Residence violators
It is noteworthy that the “Sahim” service comprises a specialized team, from the Follow-up of Violators and Foreigners Department, who have been trained to process the received information and pass it to the competent authorities in the country. After receiving the call and recording its date, time and details, information related to the caller, and after corroborating the information received, the department conducts a raid on the reported location, and takes legal action against violators.
The UAE amnesty runs from December 4, 2012 to February 4, 2013, in accordance with the Council of Ministers No. 249/5/119 for 2012.
