Police are investigating the motives behind the surrender by 20 foreigners to the deportation authorities here, Monday. The 20 people had given themselves up posing as overstaying Umrah pilgrims, police said without revealing their nationalities. However, a security run through the Passports Department's computerized database revealed that all the 20 were in fact legal residents holding work permits or Iqamas, said Col. Hussein Al-Harithy, director of the Foreigners Follow-up Department. It is not uncommon for legal residents to take the deportation route to escape from their employers or one reason or another. The arrest of the 20 came as hundreds of other genuine overstayers of different nationalities – men and women – remain camped under the Sitteen Bridge here, awaiting their turn for deportation. The government is strictly enforcing regulations against overstaying, which includes a fine of SR10,000. The fine also covers legal residents who bring family members on temporary visas but allow them to remain past the exit date. Saudis and expatriates who provide employment, accommodation and transport to overstayers face six months imprisonment and a hefty fine Col. Al-Harithy said the Passport Department's advanced computer system can identify any foreigner who has entered the Kingdom on a visit or job visa. He said the system has helped foil attempts by hundreds of foreigners who tried to get themselves deported. – Okaz __
