By IPS Correspondents
ABU DHABI, Apr 14 2003 (IPS)

As many as 67 illegal immigrants, of whom 46 are female, were suspended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday and were all referred to court for prosecution, following a search campaign carried out by the Department of Naturalization and Residency.

The suspension is part of intensive inspection campaigns and comes in application of directives from higher circles to suspend those who violate the UAE’s entry and residence law.

An official source at the Department said those suspended would not benefit from the amnesty given to illegal immigrants, which expires on April 30, and would be prosecuted by competent authorities.

Intensive search campaigns will be carried out in the coming days to apprehend illegal immigrants who have been remiss in making use of the amnesty, the source added and called on nationals and residents to report on illegal immigrants.

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