Qatar’s Ministry of the Interior has launched an inspection drive and night raids to root out workers who are staying in the country illegally, officials from the Search and Follow Up department have said.
The operation, a coordinated effort between Qatar’s police and government bodies, has involved the detention of some 2,000 people since it was launched earlier this month.
In the next few days, it will also be expanded to include absconding housemaids.
Of the 2,055 workers caught during the raids, 902 absconded from their sponsors and 766 were found working for people other than their sponsors.
According to the MOI, such workers “affect negatively the security, economic and social aspects of the country.”
Those who are caught will be held at deportation centers until they go to court, SFD Director Colonel Nasser Mohammed Al Sayed said.
Meanwhile, the MOI has been soliciting help from residents via Twitter:
A total number of 2055 persons have been arrested for violating residence law. The drive will continue until this phenomenon is eliminated.
— MOI, Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) April 29, 2012
The violating companies and persons will be blacklisted and fined. As well, no new visas will be issued for them.
— MOI, Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) April 29, 2012
The public is urged to contact 44695222 to report any such case and the service is available 24 hours a day in Arabic, English and Urdu
— MOI, Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) April 30, 2012
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Credit: Photo by Omar Chatriwala