Maj. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Hussain, spokesman for the Passport Department in the Makkah region, said most of the deportees were pilgrims who had overstayed their visas and that none was wanted for serious crimes.

“A number of escapees were caught and returned to the deportation center; there is an ongoing search to find the rest,” said Al-Hussain, adding that none of the rioters or passport officers was injured in the rioting, as was reported on some websites.

“Media outlets need to be careful when publishing information. They should publish credible and correct information. They should ascertain proper details from sources before publishing information,” he added.

He urged all illegal foreigners to take advantage of the royal pardon and leave the Kingdom without being fined or imprisoned. The pardon began Saturday and will end March 23.

The Umrah season being over, all pilgrims should leave for their respective countries, he added.