This was in the Gulf News the next day…
NATION | SOCIETY
Published: 27/1/2005, 07:46 (UAE)
Al Ka'abi: No plan to impose travel permits on expats
By Duraid Al Baik, UAE Editor and Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Expatriates who intend to travel abroad will not be forced to get travel permits from the UAE Government, a top official said.
"We have no intention of imposing a travel-permit system on expatriate workers," said Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
Dr Al Ka'abi was earlier quoted as saying in a section of the media that expatriate workers who intend to go on leave will have to obtain a temporary travel permit sanctioned by the labour ministry as well as the Ministry of Interior.
"What was published is not accurate. No changes in the labour or residency rules have yet been proposed. We did not submit any such suggestions to the Ministry of Interior," Dr Al Ka'abi said.