khaleejtimes.com
JEDDAH -- Interior Minister Prince Nayef has warned that Saudi Arabia will take tough action against foreigners overstaying their visas as well as against Saudis and expatriates who employ, transport or accommodate such illegal residents. He said the government would also adopt stringent measures to prevent investment firms from cheating their shareholders.
Nayef warned that Haj and Umrah agents who fail to stop their pilgrims from overstaying would find their licences cancelled. A large number of Asians and Africans come to the Kingdom holding Haj visas with the intention of seeking jobs.
Many private companies, especially construction firms, as well as Saudi individuals employ them as they are cheaper compared to those workers having valid work/residency permits, known as iqamas.
“We know that the temptation is low wages but people should give priority to national interests. We don’t want to snowball the problem of illegals like in some countries. Many people like to come to our country for jobs. We want the citizens to cooperate with us. We don’t want to punish them but if they don’t cooperate we’ll strictly apply the punishments," Nayef said.
Posted by tyne at December 20, 2006