Steep drop in number of illegal workers in Dubai

People begging, car washing, or working as unlicensed porters and butchers fell from 38,110 over the first eight months of 2012 to 9,688 for the same period this year.

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DUBAI // The number of people caught working illegally or selling goods has fallen.

Offences such as begging, car washing or working as unlicensed porters and butchers fell from 38,110 over the first eight months of 2012 to 9,688 for the same period this year.

Officials at Dubai Municipality have put the decrease down to a determination to monitor markets more closely as well as conducting regular patrols to stop offenders.

“The joint efforts in collaboration with Dubai Police has also contributed in reducing the illegal sale of products and services,” the municipality said.

Inspectors seized 1,944 pirated DVDs from January to August of this year and a further 266 that contained pornographic material.

“The number of illegal butchers booked during this period is 35,” the municipality said.

A total of 356 beggars and 293 illegal car washers were also caught.

Officials seized 1,897 foodstuffs unfit for human consumption and 94 alcoholic drinks.

“Other confiscated items that were found to have failed to comply with public health and safety requirements include palm trees, plants, charity boxes, trolleys and some kinds of birds,” the municipality said.

To report illegal activities or persons, the public are advised to contact Dubai Municipality on 800900.

nhanif@thenational.ae