Soliciting odd jobs in public places a punishable offence, warn AD police

By a staff reporter

May 26, 2013

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) have warned employed workers against gathering in public places and asking passers-by for odd jobs, stressing that this is a violation of the Labour and Residency Law and is, therefore, punishable by law.

The police indicated that it has received repeated complaints from the public, and have emphasised that they will hold accountable workers who gather in search of additional work, especially in residential areas outside the city of Abu Dhabi. Their sponsors and employers will also be answerable for such offences.

In this context, Brigadier Amir Al Muhairi, Deputy Director General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, vowed to pursue workers who seek illegal temporary jobs, thus violating all resolutions and instructions governing businesses. 

“Our campaign aims to uproot this scourge, in accordance with applicable law and procedures,” he said.

He added, “A number of already employed workers roam the streets after working hours, giving passers-by their contact details, offering to do odd jobs for them such as chores, maintenance, transportation, construction, communication and others.”

Moreover, Brigadier Al Muhairi noted that neighbourhoods, sidewalks, street roundabouts and sandy areas are not a gathering spot. 

He stressed that police patrols would be intensified to apprehend workers who offer illegal services and to fine motorists who stop in restricted places around roundabouts or in the streets to request the services of such workers.

Brigadier Al Muhairi also urged sponsors and community members to refuse such illegal services, which tarnish the image of public facilities, such as parks, especially when they are used as black markets by greedy individuals seeking to make illegal gain.

He stressed that such acts are harmful to both citizens and residents alike, and have negative impact on consumers, not to mention the various legal issues that ensue, given that such jobs are not subject to official control. 

Moreover, he called on the public not to employ such workers and to report them in order to eradicate this practice, in co-operation with the competent authorities.

Brigadier Al Muhairi criticised those who illegally employ workers, whether with good intentions or because of the low wages of part-time temporary hired help. “Some people hire such workers, unaware of the negative risks involved,” indicated Al Muhairi.

He explained that workers gather around cars claiming to have numerous skills, while people know for a fact that they lack the required competence.

Furthermore, Brigadier Al Muhairi revealed that some of these workers are involved in a number of thefts, which result in social, mental and physical damage to the victims.