Merciless mercury makes matters worse for illegals

Soaring temperatures are adding to the woes of illegals who want to meet the July 3 deadline to correct their status.
Thousands of expats wait for as long as 20 hours to record their biometrics under extreme heat, with some suffering from diabetes and other illnesses.
Yesterday's temperature soared to 50 degrees Celsius, causing an increase in heat-related illnesses among amnesty seekers. Palpitations, muscle cramps, heat stroke, rash, cramps and increased incidents of fainting were reported.
With Monday being allocated for Pakistani and Sri Lankan nationals, approximately 2,000 expatriates came to the deportation center as early as 6 a.m. but officials only began working from 10 a.m. when temperatures hit 47 degrees Celsius.
Only around 300 applicants from both countries were are able to complete their biometrics by 4 p.m. when temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius.
According to applicants, only three counters were functioning, with frequent mismatches in entry numbers further delaying the process inside.
Outside, women and crying children stood under the shade of buses parked at the premises that were meant for transporting deportees to the airport.
On Saturday, Ethiopians who developed heat-related illnesses were provided medical aid by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, which sent six ambulances to the deportation center and provided medical care and first aid on the spot to 58 Ethiopians, according to Ali Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson of the organization.
Their team had also shifted 10 Ethiopians to King Saud Hospital in Onaizah for short treatment.
A similar scene also prevails in front of the fingerprinting center in the Rehab district, with men seen sheltering their children under the shadow of small trees along the road dividers while their wives wait inside to record their biometrics.