DUBAI, June 1: The United Arab Emirates launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants on Sunday after an amnesty failed to weed out more than 300,000 estimated overstayers, most of them Asians, officials and newspapers said.

The interior ministry announced searches and raids would be made for illegals who face up to 10 years in jail and a $2,725 fine. People sheltering illegals will be deported.

“Everyone involved will be held liable, the offenders and those who assist them by not reporting to the authorities,” said immigration department director Brigadier Hader Khalaf al-Muhairi.

Gulf News reported extra patrol boats had been deployed in UAE waters while helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft would monitor the borders.—AFP