Abstract: A ferrule for a multi-fiber optical connector includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end and a back end. The front end of the body defines a first end face and at least one additional endface offset from the first end face in the longitudinal direction. The ferrule also includes first and second groups of micro-holes extending into the body from the at least one additional end face. Each micro-hole is configured to receive one of the optical fibers. The first and second groups of micro-holes are spaced apart from each other by distance greater than spacing between the micro-holes in the first and second groups themselves, thereby defining a space between an innermost micro-hole in the first group and an innermost micro-hole in the second group. The space itself is free of micro-holes.