Asians majority of applicants
Ahmed Shaaban
Hundreds of illegal residents and absconders have thronged the tent installed next to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Ajman on Wednesdayy.
Most of these were Asians, according to a non-commissioned officer who wished to remain anonymous. “Up to 85 per cent of the illegal residents we have received so far are Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Filipinos.”
Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah bin Alwan, executive director of the GDRFA in Ajman, told Khaleej
Times that they started receiving applicants from 7.30am.
“The air-conditioned tent that can accommodate up to 300 people at a time will remain open till 8pm,” he said. “More tents will be installed as per requirement. This is only the first day.”
Brig bin Alwan said that the maximum illegal stay they have come through so far was of a Filipina who overstayed her visa for two years. “She was so excited to end her dilemma and go back home safe without paying fines.”
Philip Balmores from the Philippines told Khaleej Times that he visited the immigration on Wednesday to regularise the status of his six-month-old baby. “Both my wife and myself are staying here legally. This great initiative will help us stay together as a family.”
Pakistani national, 30-year-old Mohammad Uzair Khan, was happy about the amnesty. “I have been waiting for this initiative to amend my status and be a legal resident after one year of worries.”
Khan is planning to go home right now, but said he is planning to come back with a proper job”.