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500 Ghanaians seeking greener pastures in Dubai stranded - Gov't

Mustapha Hamid said government is working to bring back the stranded Ghanaians.

Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid has revealed that about 500 Ghanaians who traveled to the Gulf States of United Arab Emirates (UAE) were assisted by fake recruitment agencies who assured of them job opportunities with flexible working hours.

Speaking to the media, Mustapha Hamid said government is working to bring back the stranded Ghanaians.

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He said investigations by government has revealed that the recruitment agencies charge between GH¢8,000 and GH¢15,000 to procure travel documents and travel visas for Ghanaians desperate for jobs in Dubai.

"These recruitment agencies solicit the assistance of Travel and Tour Operators, who act as sponsors of the visa application for a fee," he said.

"Meanwhile, the visas that they secure for them are tourist visas which have only three months validly," he added.

He noted: "Given that the validity of UEA visas expires within three months, most Ghanaians are unable to secure work within the period and hence become illegal residents. Their illegal immigration status obliges them to pay for any extra days spent in excess of their visa term at $95 for the extra day and $30 per day for any additional day spent in the UAE when they want to leave.

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"This is what has ensured that 500 have become stranded. Meanwhile, the Consulate General in Dubai has been in regular contact with the stranded Ghanaians and is working to getting them the necessary support to return home."

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