Thousands held in major crackdown - Khaleej Times

DUBAI - A major crackdown on illegal residents is currently underway in Dubai, and efforts by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Dubai Police have led to the arrest of thousands of aliens and individuals overstaying their welcome and absconders from their lawful sponsors since the beginning of the month.

"The campaign started on February 1, and will continue throughout the year. The message is clear: we do not want illegal residents to stay", Brigadier Khamis Al Mazainah, the CID chief in Dubai, told a Press conference at his office yesterday.

The official said 2,855 people - men and women - were caught in the period from February 1 to 15. He said 359 of them were accused of staying illegally in the country (after the expiry of their entry permits), and 154 were found of absconding from their lawful sponsors and working illegally with other employers in violation of the laws and regulations of the UAE. Over 90 per cent of those arrested were Asians.

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