When the government started its campaigns several years ago to correct manpower conditions in Saudi Arabia, we thought that foreign labor would cooperate and respond positively. But we were surprised to see that there are thousands who are violating the terms of residence permits. It is logical to see some violators from now and then due to the nature of their jobs and developments in the labor market, but what is illogical is that some people insist on violating and refraining from correcting their status. When I say "some", I mean companies and individuals - natives and expatriates-. To me, any violation of labor laws is one aspect of corruption and those involved must be held accountable. No country in the world, even in the so-called Western "democracies", tolerates violation of its laws, so why should we be an exception? The truth is that most of the violations are due to sentimental factors because many of the employers are too "humane" and they prefer to see their employees violate rules than encouraging them to correct their positions or see them leave to their countries where they may face difficult political or economic conditions. This stand is logical from the humanitarian point of view, but insisting on avoiding compliance with regulations raises many questions. It is no exaggeration to believe that violation is not because the violators can't afford to pay fines and fees, but there is probably certain parties with dubious agendas behind these violators. If this is the case, we are here facing a security threat, because anyone who violates residence laws would be ready to indulge in criminal activities. I'm not hawkish or pessimist, nor do I believe in the mentality of the conspiracy, but I don't understand what prevents an organization or a sponsor from going to the Ministry of Labor or to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to work out a solution to this problem. If it is a matter of fines, do they expect a waver or remittal or a royal endowment? These violators have an opportunity to avail themselves of the present campaign: " A nation without violators". This campaign aims to make all those living in the Kingdom- workers, residents, companies- feel secure and ensure their compliance with rules and regulations. There is no going back.. We want a country without any violator, either they correct their positions or they leave safely without paying any fines or fees. Undoubtedly, those violators are causing big losses to the local market. But what is more dangerous is having thousands with no identities or legal status, which is an aggression against our security and future. In short, we want a country with no violators because they have no place among us or even near our borders. Dr. Talal AlHarbi
