Saudi opposition welcome to return home: Head of State Security

Abdulaziz Al-Howairini, the Head of the Presidency of State Security. (Screengrab MBC)
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Updated 03 March 2025
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Saudi opposition welcome to return home: Head of State Security

  • ‘If a person has not actually committed a crime, but only entertained the thought of it, the state will address this issue and fix it’

RIYADH: Saudi opposition staying overseas are welcome to return home without any fear of punishment, Abdulaziz Al-Howairini, head of the Presidency of State Security, said in an interview on MBC’s “Hekayat Waad” program during Ramadan.

“Under the directives of the crown prince, if there are no lawsuits filed against you for homicide, theft or assault, and you were misled, the state will welcome you and will not punish you,” he said.

“If a person has not actually committed a crime, but only entertained the thought of it, the state will address this issue and fix it.”

 

 

Al-Howairini, quoting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said: “Anyone who decides to return, without having any lawsuits filed against them for assault, homicide, or other violent acts, and if their actions were limited to opposition or they were exploited by haters or received money at some point or were misled, they are welcome to come back without fear of punishment.”

He added that the Kingdom’s embassies were fully aware of the new directive, and nationals seeking assistance can contact a designated number (990) where they can provide their name and location and request to communicate with their family members.

“We receive numerous calls, but rest assured, we do not shame those individuals,” Al-Howairini said, guaranteeing the confidentiality of communications.


Saudi King Salman receives message from Russian president

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji received the message from Russian Ambassador Sergey Kozlov. (SPA)
Updated 30 December 2025
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Saudi King Salman receives message from Russian president

  • The two officials reviewed strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia

RIYADH: King Salman received a written message from Russian President Vladmir Putin regarding ties between the two countries.

Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov delivered the message to Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji in Riyadh, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X on Tuesday. 

The two officials reviewed strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia and discussed the latest regional and international developments, as well as the efforts made in this regard.