DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates, a major hub for migrant laborers, yesterday began an amnesty for workers who entered the country without a visa or overstayed their work permit. The government said those who entered the UAE illegally or overstayed their visas and who come forward by Oct 31 would not be fined or charged if they choose to leave the country voluntarily. The amnesty also grants those looking for employment a six-month visa to find a job. It excludes, however, those who are "blacklisted" or with legal cases pending. The UAE press published testimonies of blue collar laborers who had come forward for the amnesty yesterday. - AFP