PHL, UAE officials take up plight of 80 Pinoys

Philippine and United Arab Emirates officials have agreed to meet on the fate of some 80 Filipinos facing deportation after being caught illegally staying there. Dubai Immigration officials agreed to a meeting with the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to deport or ‘amend the position’ of 80 illegal Filipinos, the Khaleej Times reported Tuesday. “The consulate representatives were also asked to refer the immigration complaints they received to the Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department in Dubai to follow up on their problems," said Major General Mohammad Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department. But the report did not specify the reason for the possible change in status of the 80 Filipinos. UAE immigration authorities arrested 150 illegal Filipinos and 120 Filipinos last July 12 and 14. Last July 25, 119 alleged illegal part-time workers were taken into custody. Al Marri said the immigration department in Dubai has arrested a total of 8,339 illegal residents so far this year for breaking residency rules. “The 8,339 illegals detained between January 1 and September 8, include 6,068 men and 2,271 women," he said. He said the arrested "were referred to the bodies concerned for legal action." “Our inspectors save no effort in tracking down and curbing illegal residents and infiltrators who pose a threat to the security and stability of the whole country," he added. Under UAE labor laws, holders of employment visas from other sponsors are not allowed to work part time for any event unless permitted by the sponsor. Visit visa holders are not allowed to work, the Khaleej Times report added. Al Marri said hefty fines would be imposed and legal action would be taken against violators. “As per law, a jail term not less than two months and a fine of Dh50,000 shall be slapped against any employer who provides work or safe haven to an illegal expatriate or worker not on his/her sponsorship," he said. He called on UAE nationals and residents of Dubai to report against illegals, be they infiltrators, residents, workers or sponsors. Complaints can be made through toll-free "AMER service." — ELR, GMA News