Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – Saudi Arabia reiterated on Monday that the crackdown on illegal expatriates will continue firmly and precisely but with ensuring fairness, justice and protecting their rights. The weekly session of the Council of Ministers also emphasized that the ongoing campaign targets only those who failed to take advantage of a seven-month amnesty period to correct their labor and residency status. The Cabinet session was chaired by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, at Al-Yamama Palace here. Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session that the Cabinet was briefed about incorrect reports being circulated against Saudi Arabia after the end of the amnesty period. “The illegal expatriates were given an opportunity to correct their status with concessions and exemptions. This amnesty period was followed by application of the rules and regulations against those who did not take advantage of the grace period,” the Cabinet said, adding that the rules and regulations will be applied against the violators with care in a way protecting the rights of foreigners in accordance with bilateral, regional, and international laws and agreements. On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Cabinet renewed Saudi Arabia's call on the international community to continue supporting the Palestinian people in all their peaceful endeavors to gain their legitimate rights, in addition to taking clear and concrete steps to stop the injustice against them. The Cabinet also stressed the significance of continuing talks between the Palestinians and Israel in order to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that enables the Palestinian people to restore their rights within their own independent state. After reviewing a report submitted by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Khoja said, the Cabinet approved an increase in the Kingdom's stake in the capital of the following Arab entities: SR44.47 million in the Arab Monetary Fund, SR119.95 million in the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and SR171.23 million in the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.
