DAMMAM — Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao has advised his compatriots not to be deceived by rumors that the Saudi authorities would extend the grace period for unregulated foreigners to correct their status or leave the country without penalties beyond the July 3 deadline. Addressing a gathering of the Indian community at the International Indian School in Dammam on Friday, Rao said: “Time is passing and one should not be left on the wrong foot when the grace period lapses. I have been told that there is great anticipation the grace period shall be extended due to upcoming Ramadan. Let me assure you that this is not going to be so." He warned that the Saudi authorities will deal with anyone found violating the residency and labor rules after the grace period severely. "They will not only face two years in jail and deportation but also a hefty fine of SR100,000. Let no one take the matter casually,” said the ambassador. The deputy chief of mission, Sibi George, also addressed the fairly large crowd of workers and volunteers who came from far-off places such as Al-Ahsa and Jubail. A PowerPoint presentation from the Ministry of Labor was shown to convey the seriousness of the drive. George said illegal workers, including domestic servants, with valid passports wanting to leave Saudi Arabia could approach the Passport Department directly for exit visas and then leave the country. "They need not visit the embassy," he said. “Those leaving on final exit will not be barred from returning to Saudi Arabia on a new visa. Let no one fear that if they avail of this facility they will not be able to come back,” said George. On the issue of the local transfer of jobs, he said, “Those who want to switch jobs may approach the labor office through their new employer. They do not need the permission of their former employer for the transfer of sponsorship." The IISD managing committee has come forward to extend help to the needy community members. A full fledged help desk is envisaged and will be operational on the school premises soon. "Our teachers along with the members of the committee would stand up to the occasion and do whatever is possible," said the committee chairman K.M. Theeru. However, there was some anxiety among dependents working as teachers as they were still not sure of their status. One teacher at a private-run Indian school expressed anguish over the current situation, saying she does not know whether she would have to give up her job after the grace period. Some distressed workers have voiced their disappointment over the conflict of interest among various volunteer groups. "The poor worker is getting sandwiched between interest groups," one of the workers said. The ambassador reiterated that the volunteers are not embassy officials and no accreditation has been given to any particular group. He said all volunteers should work with the single aim of helping their brothers in distress. “I would hate to see someone fleecing his burdened fellow countryman. We should work together and ensure that the message is passed down to the last Indian worker even in the farthest corner of the Kingdom," said Rao.
