Ministry of Interior warns of fake maid decree

Wednesday, Aug 22, 2012

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning against fake text and BlackBerry messages after false news of a change in law on sponsorship of domestic help was sent out during Eid.

Gulf News can reveal the rumourspread quickly on mobile phones and BlackBerry devices during the Eid holiday, telling people in text and BBM messages that a new law was in place meaning labour-importing agencies would sponsor their workers and be legally responsible for them.

Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation and Residency, told Gulf News yesterday (Wednesday) the news was false.

He added that the ministry communicates directly with the public to inform them of any vital news through its official media and website.

He said, “There is no new decision regarding the labour-importing agencies. They will not be responsible for the sponsorship of servants such as housemaids, cooks and drivers.

“The issuance of visas, residence permits, and health insurance cards is still under the responsibility of the sponsor himself and there is no change in that.”

Major General Al Menhali said that UAE citizens and residents should not believe fake news and rumours spread through BlackBerry devices and social networking websites regarding new decrees issued by the Ministry of Interior.

“The Ministry of Interior has not applied such a law and will not think of implementing it in the near future as well,” he added.

By Abdulla Rasheed Abu Dhabi Editor