JCCI pulls out all the stops to beat deadline

The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) is doing all it can to help consulates legalize their nationals and complete other procedures in the Kingdom.
The JCCI revealed that they are planning to launch a website comprising company and worker data, where consulates can enter the names and contact details of their workers who are looking for jobs.
“The website can be accessed by everyone so both companies and workers can meet each others’ requirements,” said Mazen Batterjee, vice president of the JCCI.
Muhammad Nazmul Islam, consul general of Bangladesh, told Arab News that a host of issues were discussed at the meeting.
The JCCI held a meeting with the consuls general of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippine, Ethiopia and Egypt at its headquarters in Jeddah yesterday. Issues that were discussed in the meeting included: problems faced by expats at Tarheel and those looking for jobs, iqama transfer issues and the requirement of a Mouagab (representative at passport department for transfer).
“The JCCI is doing everything possible in assisting the consulates and helping out in all related issues. We are very thankful to them for their concern and initiatives,” said Islam.
Earlier on Friday at a Pakistani job fair, Batterjee urged the labor minister to extend the amnesty deadline as he said it was impossible to fix the status of millions of illegal people in just two weeks.
“We are hopeful that they will extend it. Even three months will not be enough as Ramadan and Haj is approaching,” said Batterjee.
“We are helping as it’s our social responsibility to help our businessmen. Many businessmen and companies can find the required workers and correct their status. The JCCI will provide all assistance to Pakistani workers to change their sponsorship, for final exit and to be treated honorably,” he said.
He said all those who have registered with the consulate would not be considered violators even after the end of the amnesty period.
The JCCI, in coordination with several embassies and consulates, is taking a number of steps to facilitate the whole process. Tents have been set up at Tarheel offices and groups of volunteers of different nationalities have been allotted to tour specific areas.
“We are trying to speed up work and have apportioned work at the JCCI to 13 groups,” explained Faisal Bataweel, representative at social responsibility department, JCCI.
Hundred JCCI volunteers are needed by the labor department, 50 are working with the JCCI to help in the process and 20 volunteers have been allotted each to the Pakistani Embassy and other consulates. “We are willing to increase the number of volunteers if needed,” said Bataweel.
Pakistani Consul General Aftab Khokhar said the JCCI is bridging the gap between government functionaries — the labor and interior ministries, business communities, individuals, consulates, the Passport Department and other departments involved in the process.
He applauded the efforts and initiatives of the JCCI, which is “helping on humanitarian grounds.”