Pakistan Embassy creates 55 focal points to serve Nitaqat-hit workers

The Pakistani Embassy has established 55 focal points all over the Kingdom to help solve cases of illegal workers in accordance with the new Saudi labor law.
Speaking with Arab News, community welfare attache Moeenuddin said: “We have opened focal points in the places frequented by Pakistanis such as malls, hotels and schools.”
He said that all those residing in remote areas such as Tabuk, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Qassim, Alkhobar, Al-Kharj, Jubail and Hofuf have been registered in focal points.
“We applaud the three-month grace period given by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for workers to correct their status,” he said. “We have registered 3,000 illegal workers throughout the Kingdom and are advising them to find better opportunities with the help of local and international companies.
We serve as a bridge between companies and laborers seeking new jobs,” he said.
He said that Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan will raise the issue again next week during the joint meeting with Labor Ministry officials.
“We are trying our best to help distressed Pakistani workers,” he said. “If local and international companies want manpower, they should coordinate with the Pakistan Embassy. We are trying to help illegal workers in different companies with transfer letters,” he said.
Syed Hammad Abid, second community welfare attaché at the embassy, said: “We have requested all Pakistani workers to register with the welfare section of the embassy, either by coming in person to the embassy or by approaching one of the 55 focal points.
“Illegal workers should contact the embassy or visit the embassy’s website or get information through the advertisement,” he said.
“They can also contact us through help line number 01-4887272, 4884111, 4884222, Extension 9, 2116 and 2119,” he said.
Moeenuddin said that all Pakistani workers should try to locate employers that are in green category and who fulfill the obligations of new labor laws. “They must try to transfer to those companies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has called on all expatriates violating residence and work regulations to take advantage of the three-month deadline to correct their status.
The ministry stressed that after the expiry of this deadline, penalties will be imposed on violators and their employers. The recruiters of illegal workers could face jail up to two years and fines of up to SR 100,000.