Illegal workers held in Dubai sweeps

More than two dozen illegal workers were apprehended in Dubai last week as the Government continued a clampdown on illicit employment, authorities have said. Combined inspection teams from the Ministries of Labour and Environment found 25 people working illegally at 11 companies in the emirate. Seven of the workers had entered the country illegally, while others were on visitor visas or had absconded from other employers. Last week's inspections were the sixth round of checks this year by the joint inspection teams. The Dubai clampdown mirrors campaigns in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah.

Violations of employment laws are declining, said Eisa al Zarouni, the director of the inspection department at the Ministry of Labour in Dubai. He attributed the fall to increasing awareness of the risks involved in violations. The companies and workers involved in the latest round of violations were referred to Dubai Public Prosecution and other authorities, Mr al Zarouni said. Talal Shanqeeti, assistant director general for investigation at the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department, praised the inspection efforts.

"The success of the joint campaigns between the two ministries is an example of what can be achieved through concerted efforts between stakeholders," he said. [e-mail]