Crackdown on illegal vendors in Sharjah

The move follows an increase in the number of such people on Sharjah streets since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

The punishment will include prosecution and deportation from the country, according to Fahd bin Shuhail, Head of the Consumer Protection section in the municipality.

Bin Shuhail told Khaleej Times that the authorities have noticed the increased presence of illegal vendors who move about the streets or set up makeshift outlets on pedestrian pavements selling a range of items like garments, toys, CDs and electronic gadgets.

The practice violates the Job Licensing Regulation No. (2) of 1981, he said. Under this, the offender will be detained and referred to security officials as a preliminary step before prosecution in a court of law.

Bin Shuhail said the Market Control Section in the municipality has intensified inspections in the emirate in view of Ramadan when such activities increase. Several people have been detained so far, said Bin Shuhail, who did not give an exact number.

He said the ongoing campaign is besides the daily efforts by the section to curb illegal activities in the market, including sale of smuggled and substandard goods.

Bin Shuhail said the municipality has adopted new procedures to counter the ingenious methods these vendors employ to evade the law enforcement agencies.

The municipality has deployed more qualified personnel for inspections and follow-up actions, intensified monitoring on all days and instituted better display procedures for shops and supermarkets, he said.

Such practices hit the supermarkets and shops legally operating in the emirate as the illegal vendors can sell the products at lower prices. Buying health products from such peddlers could be dangerous.

The municipality is committed to protecting the interests of the consumers and the market, Bin Shuhail said.