Socotra residents protest against Emirati plans to send illegal settlers, workers

SOCOTRA, Nov. 9 (YPA) – Residents of the occupied island of Socotra have condemned the decision made by head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) to establish an office for migrant workers from outside the island.

A number of Socotra island residents said that Ra’afat al-Thaqali’s approval of the establishment of an office for migrant workers in Socotra came under the order of the UAE occupation forces.

They noted that the directives included commissioning the so-called Security and Military Committee to form a military division to protect the office and to take firm action against any objections or riots expected by the residents of the island.

Residents pointed out that they are suffering from unemployment, and that Socotra does not need an office of expatriate workers, stressing that Yemenis living on the island are treated as outsiders.

The people of Socotra said that they considered the decision as a racist move taken by the UAE occupation force, pointing out that the STC militias are implementing what is dictated by Abu Dhabi.

They stressed that the UAE occupation is seeking to isolate the island from the rest of Yemen.

According to the residents, STC militias have begun to restrict all citizens’ movements from other provinces, especially the northern provinces, to Socotra.

E.M