Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants Resumes in UAE

Dhaka: The crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed following the end of the government’s amnesty period, with many Bangladeshis among those arrested.

Since the amnesty period ended on December 31, more than 6,000 visa violators have been arrested. Authorities have already conducted 270 search operations across the country.

On Monday, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), shared these details with local media.

He stated, “These operations will continue, and we advise the public not to take any visa violations lightly.”

The amnesty, which began on September 1 last year and was originally set to end on October 31, was extended for two months. During this period, the authorities encouraged illegal immigrants to regularize their status or leave the country without facing penalties or imprisonment.

However, only 50,000 Bangladeshis legalized their status during this time. Additionally, nearly 5,500 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants returned to their home country with travel permits. According to local authorities, Bangladeshis, who form the third-largest immigrant group in the UAE, have the highest rate of illegal status.

In response to the situation, expatriate community leader Ifthekhar Hossain Babul told bdnews24.com, “Even after the two-month extension of the amnesty, we, who knowingly disregarded the government’s opportunity, are responsible for the consequences. Both governments are not to blame. When we reside in a foreign country, we must respect its laws and regulations.”

UAE authorities are conducting joint operations, especially in labor-intensive areas such as construction sites, worker housing, and public gatherings. The crackdown is ongoing in labor camps in areas like Jebel Ali, Sonapur, and Al Qusais, as well as in Naif, Nakhil, and Muteina.

Expatriates report that a significant number of Bangladeshis are among those arrested. Furthermore, the government has imposed heavy fines on companies or individuals employing illegal immigrants.

Abu Dhabi-based bank officer Mashirur Rahman stated, “Many Bangladeshis, due to a lack of understanding, did not take advantage of the amnesty. Now, if they are caught, they will pay the price for it. Being caught in an illegal status may result in a lifetime ban from entering the UAE.”