Directors of Immigration Departments reportedly received verbal instructions to allow even blue collared workers to enter the country, if they have residence permits of other GCC countries.
Sources allege that the decision was taken without consulting authorities such as Immigration General Department, Criminal Investigations Department and the Health Ministry and indicated that prostitutes could enter the country and practice their immoral activities without any control “besides spreading infectious diseases and immorality.”
The decision was aimed at boosting tourism and economy “but it is illogical; how can a baker, a blacksmith or a carpenter help in boosting tourism or economy,” they asked.
The decision makes no sense because on the one hand the Interior Ministry is trying to control the entry of marginal laborers in the country and on the other hand, it is opening the doors for anyone to enter without strict regulations, fingerprints and even medical examinations, noted sources.
They even expressed fears that members of the Iraqi Revival Party, who reside in large numbers in other GCC countries, could take advantage and urged the ministry to suspend the decision until all consequences of the step are discussed with authorities.
