The act considered most despicable in the Arab world is to abuse hospitality that has been freely and generously given. Because of its solemn duties to Muslim pilgrims from around the globe, Saudi Arabia operates an open-door policy for those with Haj and Umrah visas. Unfortunately, some of those who came as “Guests of God” (as they are known) have remained in the Kingdom illegally. They have become criminals and prey mercilessly upon a society that has welcomed them with open arms. These overstayers, of course, have no legitimate means of supporting themselves and so many have turned easily to lawbreaking, joining gangs of various nationalities that have become the scourge of our once almost entirely crime-free city streets. A rich society such as ours offers rich pickings for the unscrupulous. An epidemic of muggings, mobile phone snatchings, car-jacking and housebreaking has alarmed everyone in a country long used to the rule of law.
The alarm has been the greater because we have also all been faced with the deadly threat of terrorists in our midst. Indeed it is clear that petty crime has only been able to flourish in the way that it has because the attention of the authorities has been substantially diverted to confronting this even greater evil. Nevertheless, it can be argued that the rising tide of lawlessness has increased the danger of the very social instability which fanatical terrorists are trying to create in the Kingdom. Therefore these petty criminals, in addition to betraying the trust and kindness shown them by their hosts, are also repaying Saudi hospitality by indirectly contributing to Al-Qaeda’s perverted plans. The massive roundup of illegals that is now going on is, therefore as welcome as it is overdue. Even allowing for the severe demands placed on the forces of law and order in their campaign against terror, it is legitimate to regret that decisive action was not taken sooner.
The campaign, which began earlier this month, appears now to be moving into top gear. We must all hope that the police, immigration officials and other law enforcement agencies will continue the operation and root out all overstayers wherever they are hiding. Perhaps a few of the people caught in the raids will not have turned to crime but may have found illegal employment. Though their offence may be less, the fact is that they have no right to be in the Kingdom and it is entirely proper that they be repatriated, along with those who have turned to crime and depravity in order to survive here. And, unlike in the past, the deportees will not be able to fly right back on another fake passport. They are all being fingerprinted to ensure that it does not happen.
We can be very sure that the authorities have not overlooked the possibility that hardened terrorists have hidden themselves among the overstayers. Therefore the current operation may yet throw up valuable leads in the anti-terror campaign and make it significantly harder for the remaining men of violence to conceal themselves within the community. This cleanup operation has to be a complete success.
