Warning on visas for low-cost tourists

Warning on visas for low-cost tourists
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2008, 00:29

Dubai: The Dubai Police chief has warned against allowing low-cost air carriers to acquire visas for tourists and visitors.

Permitting the passengers of economy carriers to enter the country may result in an increase in the number of residency law violators and pose a danger to public safety, Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, said.

"It is a different issue when Emirates and Etihad airlines are considered, since their tickets can only be afforded by passengers with high financial capabilities, while the visit of the Dh190-traveller will not bring any advantages to the country," he said.

Lt Gen Dahi said the latest statistics from the Criminal Investigation Department show an increase in the number of infiltrators and residency law violators, which will be announced later.

The Dubai Police Chief said he intended to visit the Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department to discuss the issue of some African nationals who came on visit visas but committed crimes.