Tayeb: Correction process to end labor market chaos

Mohammed Tayeb, director general of the Foreign Ministry’s office in Makkah region, has emphasized the significance of the ongoing labor correction process, saying it would put an end to labor market chaos, benefiting both Saudis and expatriates.
“The main objective of this whole process is to legalize the status of all foreign workers. This is for the benefit of expats themselves, as it will protect their rights. Foreigners should respect the Kingdom’s laws and regulations. We will not allow anybody to stay in the Kingdom illegally or violate its regulations,” Tayeb said.
Speaking to Arab News, he highlighted the negative impact of illegals on security, economy, business, education, infrastructure, utility services and the employment of Saudis. “We will not allow this kind of chaos anymore,” he stressed.
Referring to a request by foreign diplomats to extend the July 3 amnesty deadline to allow expats more time to correct their status, Tayeb said the departments concerned would study the matter carefully to take an appropriate decision.
The Saudi official said the diplomats have spoken highly about the amnesty declared by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah last April, which has already helped more than 1.5 million expats to correct their status. He noted the efforts being made by foreign missions to help their nationals make use of the amnesty.
Referring to the Kingdom’s decision to reduce the number of domestic pilgrims by 50 percent and foreign pilgrims by 20 percent during this Haj season, Tayeb said Muslims all over the world have understood the purpose behind this decision. “Because of the ongoing expansion work, the capacity of mataf has been reduced from 48,000 to 22,000 worshippers per hour. Logically the number of pilgrims had to be reduced in order to protect their safety and dignity.”
Some companies or individuals may suffer financial losses because of this decision, but they have to sacrifice it for the common cause, Tayeb said. “The Saudi government’s duty does not end at allowing pilgrims to come for Haj or Umrah. It’s our duty to ensure their safety and security during their pilgrimage. It’s a trust on our shoulders, for which we’ll be answerable to the Almighty,” he explained.
Tayeb also spoke about the government’s efforts to correct the status of Burmese refugees in the Kingdom. “Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal recently inspected the correction center for the Burmese. He has agreed to extend the period for another three months to correct the status of all Burmese in the country,” he said. Burmese are given residence permits for four years free of charge.