ABU DHABI, 4 June 2007 — The UAE Cabinet yesterday approved a grace period of three months starting today for residents living illegally in the country to get their papers in order or leave.
The decision was implemented as part of measures designed to tighten up the enforcement of current laws relating to those who are in violation of the labor law or who are working in the country illegally and those who employ them.
The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor to work together to take necessary steps to implement the decision.
It also said that the two ministries should work together to impose fines and prison sentences on all those who are found to be employing illegal workers.
It warned UAE citizens that they would face legal action if they were found to be employing illegal workers in their farms or in their homes.
The objective of the decision was to ensure that all legal workers would enjoy full benefits relating to their salaries, health care and housing.
