Most recently, the Search and Investigation Section nabbed a gang of four Asian men implicated in illegally assisting, sheltering, and providing part and full time work to 18 maids, including two Africans and 16 Asians.
Major General Mohammad Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the Directorate, said every staffer spares no effort to effectively make the UAE one of the safest countries in the world. “The 5,552 illegals detained in the first five months of this year include 4,337 men and 1,215 women, spanning 1,133 workers, 832 domestic helpers, 2,241 illegal residents, and 1,346 on expired visas.”
“The detainees were nabbed in 106 raids on 31 different sites across the emirate, including five done in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality,” he added.
Lt-Col Khalaf Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General for Investigation and Illegals Follow-up Sector, said vigilance on the part of inspectors led to the gang getting arrested. “The case unfolded when an Asian woman was stopped while waiting in front of a residential building at Al Barsha area. When asked about her ID and residence visa, she submitted a photocopy of a passport which later proved to be another resident’s. She had replaced the photograph,” he added.
Lt-Col Al Ghaith said the woman led the inspectors to the apartment where one of the gang, an Asian, was staying. It was found that the man used to work as a gardener at a house where the 18 maids were working illegally. “He admitted to have lured them to abscond and join his gang,” he added.
Manipulated trade licenses and photocopies of cleaning companies were also found in their position. Under the UAE labour laws, holders of employment visa from other sponsors are not allowed to work part time unless permitted by the sponsor. Visit visa holders are also not allowed to work. The public have been urged to report if they come across any illegal residents or absconders section at toll free number: 8005111.
