More than 650 inmates are to be released from prison and their debts settled for Ramadan under the orders of the President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE’s official news agency WAM reported that 676 Emirati and expatriate prisoners who are serving jail terms of various lengths will be released.
Pardoned Emiratis will be provided with suitable jobs to help them turn over a new leaf while foreigners will be deported.
WAM said Sheikh Khalifa wanted to give the inmates a chance to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.
Attorney General Salim Saeed Kubaish said: “The pardon inculcates positive motives in the hearts and minds of the pardoned prisoners, spurring them to set their conduct right and follow the right path. It is a recipe of optimism about the future and a catalyst for those still behind the bars to follow their suit to get that privilege in future.”
