Companies have been told by the police and municipality in Ajman to pay workers their wages or else send the workers back home.

Some firms have not paid wages to workers for periods of several months, prompting protests and a 40% increase over the last three months in reported incidents of theft, robbery and shoplifting.

Three quarters of the UAE's population comprises foreign workers.

Authorities have promised stiff penalties and closure if workers' wages are not paid on time or if workers' living conditions are not up to standard.