Amnesty for residency, labor violators in Saudi Arabia extended by 30 days

Updated 29 June 2017
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Amnesty for residency, labor violators in Saudi Arabia extended by 30 days

RIYADH: A campaign that allows residency and labor law violators to leave Saudi Arabia without penalty has been extended by 30 days, according to the Kingdom’s state news agency.

The extension is from June 25, 2017 or 1 Shawwal 1438 in the Hijri calendar.

The General Directorate of Passports said the grace period under the “A Nation Without Violations” campaign would be extended for people of all nationalities, effective from last Sunday.

The initial grace period was 90 days, starting on March 29, 2017. It allowed expats in violation of the rules to leave the Kingdom without being subject to fines or being blocked from reentering the Kingdom legally.

The 30-day extension is in line with directives of Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif, according to Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Yahya, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Yahya urged all expats in violation of the rules who were not able to benefit from the previous grace period, as well as those who completed their departure procedures during the previous period but were not able to depart, to immediately visit one of the reception centers to complete the necessary proceedings.

 

Ramadan in Madinah: A blend of tradition and modernity

Updated 5 sec ago
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Ramadan in Madinah: A blend of tradition and modernity

  • Ramadan iftar tables in the neighborhoods have evolved into a community initiative that promotes solidarity and neighborliness

MADINAH: In the holy city of Madinah, Ramadan highlights a seamless blend of ancestral traditions and modern celebrations, as residents decorate homes and streets with lanterns.

Women play a central role in creating this spiritual atmosphere, transitioning from handmade ornaments to curated prayer spaces and Ramadan diaries for children.

Social solidarity remains the city’ cornerstone, manifested through the exchange of Ramadan baskets and the organization of massive communal iftar meals at the Prophet’s Mosque and in local neighborhoods.

Ramadan iftar tables in the neighborhoods have evolved into a community initiative that promotes solidarity and neighborliness.

The project has been undertaken by “Mujtamaei,” the Neighborhood Centers Association in Madinah Region, in partnership with the Madinah Regional Municipality, and covers 97 locations across residential districts.

The initiative organizes daily iftar gatherings that bring together residents, volunteers, and partner entities, reflecting strong community cohesion and fostering volunteerism and social connection among neighborhood residents and visitors during the holy month.

The program provides more than 80,000 iftar and sahoor meals, benefiting over 40,000 individuals, with 1,600 volunteers overseeing site organization and service delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards.

The project is part of a community development system that expands annually, focusing on increasing volunteer participation and strengthening partnerships, thereby reinforcing social values and revitalizing the spirit of neighborliness in Madinah.