More than 22,000 deported in 6 months

Saudi Gazette Riyadh, May 16,2017 : The Saudi security authorities have deported in the past six months more than 22,000 violators of residency and labor laws. The Directorate General of Passports has completed the procedures for deporting the violators after carrying out investigations to make sure that there are no criminal cases against them. The Kingdom announced a 90-day amnesty from March 29 for violators of the residency (iqama), labor and border security regulations. This amnesty is part of the “Nation Free of Violators” Campaign, which is a continuation of the 1435H campaign, as a result of which over 2.5 million violators of the iqama and labor regulations left the Kingdom. Violators of the iqama (residency) and labor regulations who take the initiative to voluntarily depart from the Kingdom will be exempt from fines and penalties. Moreover, they will have the right to return to work legally in the Kingdom. The Passport Department (Jawazat) has opened 78 offices in 13 regions including 16 in the Eastern Province, 10 in Riyadh, 12 in Makkah, seven in Qassim, four each in Madinah and Northern Border Province, three each in Asir and Hail, two in Baha, five in Najran, six in Tabuk and four in Al-Jouf.