Dubai: The two-month amnesty has brought an unexpected windfall to the airline industry.
Airlines could rake in up to Dh40 million in ticket sales as thousands of illegal residents fly out of the UAE between December and February 4 when the amnesty ends.
“It is big business for airlines as it’s peak season and the fares are high,” said the regional manager of a leading Dubai-based travel agency. He said a one-way ticket to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia or Nepal will cost an average of Dh600 during these months. The majority of the UAE’s unskilled workers come from these countries.
19/12/12 Anjana Sankar/Gulfnews.com
