Over 8% of UAE population heads for the exit

Illegal immigrants have been taking advantage of the amnesty since July. Up to 350,000 are expected to have left by the end of the amnesty in November.

Almost 10 percent of the UAE's population is heading for the exit, according to statistics released by immigration officials overseeing a five-month amnesty for illegal residents.

To date, around 185,000 people have taken advantage of the amnesty, which has now been extended to 3^rd November.

A further 165,000 are expected to leave before the deadline, making a total of 350,000 people, or 8.5 percent of the UAE population of 4.1 million recorded at the last census.

Amnesties are not uncommon in the UAE - typically taking place every 3-5 years. But previous amnesties have witnessed only tens of thousands of illegal residents leaving the country.

This year's amnesty comes at a time when many Asian expatriates are considering whether working in the UAE makes financial sense. The spending power of the dirham is falling; cost of living is rising; Asian currencies, particularly the Rupee, are strengthening; and the job market at home is buoyant.

"I've ignored previous amnesties because there was always well-paid work here and I was able to send good money back to my family in Bangalore," said M. K. Khullar while standing in a queue waiting to board a plane to India at Dubai International Airport.

"Now I think I can provide a better life for my family by working on a construction site in India," he added.

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