By IPS Correspondents
ABU DHABI, Apr 26 2003 (IPS)

As April 30, the final deadline set by United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities for illegal immigrants to leave the country if they want to escape penalty, is drawing closer local dailies have started to focus their attention on the issue.

The Dubai-based ‘Gulf News’, commenting editorially on the issue today, said that the authorities had made it very clear that they would act from May 1 to find anyone continuing to stay in the country illegally.

– It is important that all employers also recognize their responsibilities to the law. They should not employ people without proper papers. This has been particularly prevalent in those sectors of the economy which rely on cheap or casual labor," the paper advised.

The enforcement authorities, it adds, will not just be looking for the illegal workers, but will also be looking for those employing them, or giving them shelter. ‘Gulf News’ cited national security and workers’ rights as two of the most significant factors required for the proper regulation of the labor market.

ôIt is important for the authorities to know who is in the UAE, particularly at a time of regional tension. But it is also important for the worker to be officially employed and in the country legally, with full documentation, since the illegal worker is outside the protection of the Labor Law, and is easily exploited by employers," the paper commented.

ôThese are important aims, and the amnesty is another chance for people to regularize their affairs. It should be taken by all concerned. If someone is trying to avoid the law, and is intending to continue to employ illegal staff, then they have to expect the force of the law to descend on them, and tough penalties are to be expected," concluded the paper.

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