Faster processing of workers’ biometrics

Hundreds of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Indonesia streamed into the deportation center here over the past few days to record their biometric details.
They were processed much faster and smoother than before because of the assistance provided by diplomatic officials and the Saudi staff who worked late hours. The deadline remains July 3 for workers to rectify their status.
A total of 1,800 workers from Pakistan and Sri Lanka recorded their details on Monday and Tuesday. The center was open for 19 hours from Monday until the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Syed Tahseem ul-Haque and 10 of his colleagues from the Pakistan Consulate stayed at the center for the entire period to help their fellow nationals. It was clear that they were exhausted after the marathon session.
The young Pakistani had a tough time turning workers away because their iqamas were issued in other provinces.
Mohammed Zarooq of the Sri Lankan consulate also worked late hours on Monday to help his fellow countrymen. He also found it difficult to turn away applicants whose iqamas were issued in other provinces.
Mohammed Rifas, a Sri Lankan worker, told Arab News that he waited more than seven hours but was unable to record his details because he did not have his iqama number with him.
Amanullah Bhut of Pakistan said that he was not able to record his details because he was not declared a runaway worker by his employer.
Khader Khan, an Indian worker, said he was rejected by the center because his iqama was issued in Abha. He said he had to travel to Al-Namas, a mountain village near to Abha, to record his details.
A large contingent of Indian applicants arrived on Tuesday morning and had their details recorded until early yesterday morning. Indian diplomats Raj Kumar and Irshad Ahmed were at the center to oversee the arrangements, backed by 10 members of the Indian consulate and 12 volunteers of the Indian Fraternity Forum (IFF), the only community organization assisting the consulate.
Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai visited the deportation center twice and met with its director Col. Mishal Al-Harithy to expedite the process. Pakistan Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokhar also visited the deportation center on Tuesday evening to meet officials.
The workers of all the Asian countries were provided food by their governments.
Indonesian applicants recorded their details yesterday but an exact figure was not available.