RIYADH, 1 March 2004 - The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has issued a warning against buying and selling visas since doing so "is in violation of the Kingdom's laws."
"Report any individual buying or selling a visa and we'll be after them. This is not only illegal but is also exploiting expats because they have to pay for the visas," Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmad Al-Mansour told Arab News.
He made the announcement after receiving reports of foreign nationals looking for ways to legalize their status in the Kingdom after having been laid off.
Earlier, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Namlah announced an end to sponsorship transfers for all except those technically and professionally qualified whose services are required in the private sector.
The minister said that the move was to prevent abuse of the sponsorship law under which sponsors make money from foreign workers.
"We want to stay in the Kingdom where we have spent the best years of our life. One reason for this is that we have grown used to the way of life here, aside from the fact that those who could help us earn a living are here," a foreigner explained.
Many said that even when they went on vacations, thoughts and memories drifted back to Saudi Arabia after a month since they consider the Kingdom their second home. Others insist on staying even if they lose their jobs "because it's easier to earn money here."
