SHARJAH // Police in Sharjah have arrested more than 1,500 of illegal immigrants since the start of the year, officials have said.
A total of 1,617 illegals have been arrested between January 1 and June 19 as part of an ongoing campaign in the emirate named 'Don't co-operate with illegals' said Brig Abdullah Mubarak Al Dukhan, the police deputy director general.
Without giving specific figures, Brig Al Dukhan said people who had run away from their sponsors topped the list of illegal workers who had been apprehended.
Other categories included those who entered the country illegally and those who returned after deportation on forged documents.
"We undertook the right procedures in all arrests referring the illegals to the concerned departments that would determine the right action for each person," he said.
Brig Al Dukhan said many illegal immigrants in Sharjah lived in abandoned or old houses or buildings still under construction.
He said officers were keeping watch on places were illegals are known to frequent and the campaign was to continue throughout the year.
Brig Al Dukhan also called on the public to report any illegals living in their neighbourhood on the toll free number 800151, sms to 7999 or send an email on najeed@shjpolice.gov.ae
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