RIYADH, 18 March 2004 — The Interior Ministry yesterday announced an investigation into the arrest of expatriate workers following the recent raids on travel agencies.
“Specialized agencies will verify these cases of detentions,” Dr. Saud ibn Saleh Al-Musaibeeh, director general of public relations at the ministry said.
“Some English newspapers had reported about a number of raids carried out by Saudization committees on travel and tourism offices,” Dr. Al-Musaibeeh said, adding that the raids were aimed at ensuring jobs for Saudis.
The ministry official acknowledged that some “complexities” had taken place during the operation — a veiled reference to the head-shaving of some detained workers.
However, he said that the government was determined to implement the regulations and create jobs for Saudis. He urged all travel agencies in the Kingdom to cooperate with the Saudization committees.
