The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Court of First Instance sentenced P.M., 52, gave him two-month jail term and a Dh5 million fine for hiring 65 people, and an additional fine of Dh1.45 million for employing 29 people that were sponsored by others.

Ali Humaid Bin Khatim, Head of Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution, described the ruling as remarkable and the first of its kind in the country's history "in terms of the fine's heftiness and number of workers who were hired illegally".

Bin Khatim said at a press conference yesterday that nine suspects were charged with working on a visit visa and failing to pay their fines of overstaying in the country, 19 suspects were charged with working for different sponsors and 65 suspects were charged with entering the country illegally.

The Court awarded the 94 illegal workers different jail terms (between three and six months) and fines (Dh3,000-4,000).

Bin Khatim said the company manager confessed that he hired the workers but claimed that he was unaware that their status was illegal. All of the workers will be deported after serving their sentences.

By Bassam Za'za

© Gulf News 2008