JEDDAH: The Interior Ministry has announced that it would detain expatriates only for major offenses, with fines for those with petty violations.
Suleiman Al-Yahya, director of the Passport Department, said that there are procedures in place to ensure expats are fined immediately for minor infractions, a local publication reported on Tuesday.
During a meeting with directors of expat administrative departments in the Kingdom, he said specialized committees would determine whether expats should be detained or fined.
He said detention centers regularly release between 700 and 900 expats responsible for minor violations, such as failing to carry or renew their residence permits. Such violations are subject to financial penalties, he said.
Al-Yahya said the committees determine whether any expat arriving in the Kingdom is wanted by the police.
During the five-hour meeting, representatives discussed ways to improve their departments and processes.
Expats to be jailed only for serious crimes
Expats to be jailed only for serious crimes
GCC secretary general receives China’s special envoy to Middle East
- Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China
RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received China’s special envoy for the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for China’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and for Beijing’s efforts with all parties to halt the conflict and end the escalation, according to a General Secretariat statement.
Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China. He added that the GCC’s commitment to restraint during the crisis reflects these policies.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming China-GCC summit later this year and discussed progress in negotiations toward a free trade agreement between the two sides.
