Abu Dhabi: In January alone, 1,078 illegal residents were arrested in Sharjah during inspections, according to latest statistics released by the Ministry of Interior.

At least 16 inspections to catch illegal residents were carried out by the Sharjah Department of Naturalisation and Residence as part of the ongoing campaign against illegal residents.

The campaign, organised as per the instructions of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Interior Minister, kicked off after the end of amnesty period, leading to the arrest of thousands who flouted the law of entry and residence.

While 476 people caught were infiltrators, 193 were working for private sector companies, 98 worked illegally as domestic helpers and 10 others misused the mission visa. Some 301 people were arrested for working on visit visas.

Colonel Abdullah Ali Bin Sahoa, the Director of Sharjah Naturalisation and Residence department, urged the public to cooperate with the authorities and appealed not to provide illegals with shelter or employment.

To report absconding workers or any illegal residents call 050 1699111, 050 1699222, 06 5944525, 06 5944524, 06 5726777 or 06 5724393.