Dubai nabbed over 22,000 infiltrators in 2011

Dubai seized more than 22,000 foreigners who tried to sneak illegally into the emirate in 2011, according to police, who issued a fresh warning against residents giving jobs or shelter to illegal migrants.

Police said the number of those captured last year was slightly higher than in 2010 but far below the 2009 figure, adding that they are doing their best to stop the flow of infiltrators who pose a security threat to the country.

Police records showed 22,173 illegal migrants were captured last year compared with 21,690 in 2010 and as high as 45,549 in 2009.

“Dubai’s police and coast guard are taking every measure in coordination with all other competent parties in the UAE to combat infiltration attempts given their serious security threat to the country,” said Brigadier Khalil Al Mansouri, director of the criminal investigation department in Dubai.

He said many of the captured illegal migrants had been caught before and deported from the UAE, adding that they were tempted to sneak back again by the fact that they could make quick money through illegal means.

“Many of them have been caught stealing or working illegally for others…we warn those who try to enter the country illegally that severe measures will be taken against them,” he told 'Emarat Al Youm' daily.

“We also warn those who give jobs or shelter to illegal migrants must stop doing so or they will face serious consequences…we urge all companies, employers and house owners not to help those people……we need your help because police can not tackle this problem without public cooperation.”
 

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