The New Nation - Internet Edition

Xinhua, Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vowed that it will impose tough penalties against illegal residents after the amnesty period ends, the official Emirates News Agency reported. In a bid to crack down on the employment of illegal workers after the amnesty, the ministry decided in September to impose a life ban on expatriates holding visit visas who are found working in the UAE.

The amnesty ended yesterday (Saturday).

The UAE Labor Ministry will coordinate with the Interior Ministry in the campaign to crack down on the employment of illegal residents after the amnesty, Labor Minister Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi said.

The three-month amnesty, starting from June 3, was given to illegal expatriate workers who violated the UAE residency laws to regularize their status or leave the country.

The period of grace was later extended to Nov. 2 for those who had completed the legal procedures of leaving the UAE before Sept.2.

"The labor-related problems facing the ministry include violation of employment contract terms, failing to renew work permits for workers, absconding, hiring undocumented workers and the fact that some employers not only hire illegal residents but also help them hide from the authorities," Al Kaabi said. The Labor Ministry will take strict measures against violators including banning and prosecution of companies which hire illegal residents, he added.