Fewer illegal workers in Dubai, authorities say

DUBAI // The General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners’ Affairs in Dubai has said that greater awareness about risks involved in hiring people who are in the UAE illegally has led to a decrease in the number of violations.

Last year, 281 people here illegally were hired by establishments in Dubai, including 57 offenders charged with working for employers who were not their sponsors and 56 working on a visit visa. Fifty-four employers were charged with hiring workers not under their sponsorship, the directorate said.

In the past, more than 40 people working illegally could be caught in a single establishment, according to the directorate.

Police statistics showed that most offenders were aged between 30 and 39, and most were unmarried. Among female offenders, most worked in maid services.

The total number of illegals in Dubai was 14,400 last year, compared with 13,943 the previous year, the directorate said.