Al-Riyadh The Central Department of Statistics and Information (CDSI) recently said that the number of non-Saudis in the Kingdom was around 10.1 million in 2014. This number represents one third of the Kingdom's population. That is why some writers suspect it was accurate. According to the World Bank, the number of non-Saudis was estimated to be 16.4 million in 2013. There is a big difference between both figures. Which one is more accurate? A local daily reported that over 500,000 expatriate workers ran away from their sponsors last year. Let us not forget the large number of people who came to the Kingdom on Haj and Umrah visas and overstayed before the fingerprinting system was introduced. I would like to stress that this country welcomes expatriate workers who come here to work and enter legally. We welcome them with heart and soul regardless of religion or race and we appreciate the things they do for us and for this country. On the other hand, we do not welcome people who come here illegally. We love our country and we are greatly patriotic. The Kingdom enjoys religious importance and stability, and plays a significant political and economic role. It is the favorite destination for expatriate workers of all nationalities, which is a good thing. What worries us is the increase in the number of expatriate workers who run away from their sponsors and those who enter our borders illegally. The news reports indicate that the number of undocumented workers is on the increase and is larger than what is published in newspapers. Are we going to be a minority in our own country? If you look at some neighborhoods in some cities, you will discover to your surprise that there are no Saudi residents and that non-Saudis inhabit the entire area. Besides, some business sectors are controlled and run by expatriate workers. Undocumented workers and those who violate residence regulations pose a danger to our country and people. Due to the lax security procedures taken by some authorities, some of these workers dare to engage in illegal practices in broad daylight and in complete disregard for our laws. Outsiders may even use some of them to disrupt national security and public order. The common good of our people should come first. The authorities should deal with illegal and undocumented workers sternly and deport them.
