Runaway expats in KSA allowed to avoid jail and go home

JEDDAH: In a major concession for hundreds of expats classified as runaway or huroob cases, the government has announced that they can avoid jail and go home provided they have no criminal cases pending, settle outstanding fines, pay for their tickets, and have an undertaking from their consulates that they would leave in 72 hours. These are the conditions contained in a circular sent out to all consulates by Muhammad Abdulwahab Nugali, representative of the Foreign Ministry at the General Services Center at Shumaisi, the deportation center near Makkah. Arab News obtained a copy of the circular, dated Nov. 18, from Pakistan Consul General Aftab Khokher. He said this concession being granted by the Saudi government was first proposed by the Pakistani mission because of the many distressed workers from his country. “Such cases will now be processed by the consulate,” said Khokher on Wednesday. “Those who have been declared huroob will not have to spend time in jail as was the case in the past.” Khokher said the government’s conditions say the workers must be taken by their consulates to the Shumaisi center for fingerprinting. They should also have passports issued by their consulates. Khokher said the consulate would now start registering these workers and find out if they are facing any criminal charges or have to pay fines. “Once everything is clear, we will take these workers in groups to the deportation center for fingerprinting and get their exit papers processed,” he said. Khokher described this as a major relief. Arab News