RIYADH, 14 March 2003 — The authorities have deported over 3,000 Nigerians who overstayed in the Kingdom after performing Umrah, Okaz newspaper quoted a senior officer as saying yesterday. Col. Fahd Al-Wathainani of the Passports Department in Jeddah told Okaz the Nigerians, who include 500 women and 255 children, were arrested in the past few days in Makkah.
Immigration authorities have also decided to fine companies who brought in the pilgrims at SR3,000 for each person for failing to inform the authorities about their disappearance, Al-Wathainani said.
During the holy month of Ramadan between early November and December, the police arrested about 20,400 foreign nationals for staying illegally in the Kingdom.
According to Interior Ministry officials, Saudi Arabia deports more than 700,000 illegal immigrants every year. Illegal foreigners are deported while landlords renting accommodation to them face prison terms and fines.
The Kingdom has recently changed the rules governing Umrah visas. The duration of the visa has been reduced from three months to one month and applicants are now required to pay $800 as a refundable deposit and meet the cost of the trip in advance.
