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International Migration News - Volume #8 | |
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Gulf States
Bahrain. Bahrain announced another amnesty that permits illegal migrants to leave without penalty by December 31, 2000; 40,000 unauthorized foreigners were expected to leave, compared to 52,000 during a similar program in 1997 and 9,800 in 1995. Dubai. Dubai's Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs announced that work permit rules would be strictly enforced beginning January 1, 2001. Dubai is trying to crack down on companies that exist only to sponsor foreigners for entry and employment visas- some owned by local residents and some by foreign investors-- and will refuse requests for work permits from companies that have closed down but kept their old staff, or the sponsoring firm does not submit documentation of the need for additional foreign workers. Dubai said that 2,100 offenders were caught in inspections in 1999; the inspections included 3,400 in Abu Dhabi; 4,245 in Dubai; 3,904 in Sharjah; 5,501 in Ajman; 1,110 in Ras Al Khaimah; and 2,162 in Umm Al Quwain. The Interior Minister announced that foreigners would soon be able to handle immigration matters on the internet at: http://online.dnrd.gov.ae Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi announced that it would deport unlawful foreigners immediately, rather than after a two-month prison term, in order to reduce the number of unauthorized foreigners faster and avoid overcrowding at Taweelah Prison. Some 14,000 illegal foreigners were apprehended in 1999, led by Afghans and followed by Pakistanis, Iranians, Bangladeshis and Indians. Dhow or speedboat operators and owners caught bringing illegal migrants into Abu Dhabi are jailed for at least three years and fined heavily. | |
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