JEDDAH: Undocumented expats have ten weeks left to rectify their legal status in Saudi Arabia in a campaign which allows them to leave the country without incurring any penalties.
Those in the Kingdom illegally who wish to correct their status will be allowed to do so within a grace period announced in March.
The campaign, “A Nation Without Violations,” was launched by the Interior Ministry days before the amnesty period began on March 29 and seeks to allow illegal expats to leave the country without incurring the penalties associated with breaking the Kingdom’s residency and labor laws.
One of the key aspects of the process is that those who are undocumented will not have their fingerprints taken, allowing them to return to the Kingdom in the future.
Illegal expats “will be exempt from the consequences associated with the deportee fingerprint system,” the Passport Department confirmed in a post on its Twitter account.
The amnesty period allows various types of violators, many of whom are in legal limbo, to travel back to their home countries without hefty fines or prison sentences.
The campaign will benefit pilgrims who have stayed on in Saudi Arabia after completing their religious rites, expats whose residency permits (Iqama) have expired and employees with valid work permits but no Iqama.
Workers who have been designated as “Huroob” — absent without leave from their employer — will also be allowed to exit without fines. As will those who have entered the Kingdom’s territory illegally.
Violating the Saudi residency system begets deportation, a prison sentence and fines. The fine can range from SR15,000 ($4,000) to SR100,000 ($26,663), General Sulaiman Al-Yahya, director general of the Passport Department, told the Saudi state-run news channel Al-Ekhbariya.
In announcing the campaign, Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Naif urged violators to take advantage of the amnesty period and make use of the assistance provided by 19 governmental authorities.
The Interior Ministry said the amnesty offer is an extension of a similar grace period in 2013 granted by Saudi Arabia’s previous monarch King Abdullah. In 2013, 2.5 million people were able to correct their illegal status in the country.
The 2013 amnesty period was announced in April and then extended for three extra months to allow more people to take advantage of the window of opportunity.
Illegal expats urged to take advantage of amnesty period
Illegal expats urged to take advantage of amnesty period
Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.
The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.
The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”
The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.
It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.
Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
- Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.
Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.
Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
- With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors
The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.
Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.
Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.
Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.
These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.
The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.
The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.
Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.
Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
- Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.
They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.
Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.
The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added.
Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
