Saudi police detain 400

The Saudi police in raids arrested around 400 undocumented expatriates from the south of the capital Riyadh in the last two days.

The crackdown against the illegal foreigners began on Thursday, and the majority of the arrestees were African nationals, reported Arab News yesterday.

"The arrestees were rounded up for various offences, such as overstaying their visas, running away from sponsors and looking for employment under the pretext of being on a 'free visa'," the daily said quoting a police official of Riyadh Police Department.

The illegal expatriates will be investigated, and subject to fines and deportation depending on each case.

The Riyadh police carried out the operations in cooperation with other security forces. According to police, the operation took place in Manfouha, Hai Al-Wazara (Hara) and Batha city centre in Riyadh.

During the raids, 45 vegetable vendors who overstayed their Hajj and Umrah visas were also arrested from Hara and Batha areas.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Riyadh Shahidul Islam said they didn't have information of the arrest of any Bangladeshi in the raids.

"Majority of our people are currently working here legally.  Very few may stay and work illegally," he told The Daily Star over the phone yesterday.

The Saudi police are carrying out raids to strengthen security ahead of holy hajj, the envoy mentioned.

Earlier, the Saudi interior ministry had warned illegal expatriates in the Kingdom to legalise their status or leave the country by November last year to avert punishment.

A general amnesty was given for the illegal foreign workers to correct their status in May last year and later extended till November.