Overstayers were reportedly creating nuisance so they would be picked up by police and deported from the country free of charge. Some of the group members vandalized parked cars and caused damage to nearby properties. Onlookers crowded the scene before police dispersed them.
“Police received a report about the trouble and forces were sent to the area. Those responsible for making the trouble were taken to the police station, along with people who had their properties damaged,” First Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq, spokesman for Jeddah police, told Arab News.
Maj. Mohammad Al-Hussain of the Customs and Immigration Department said: “We are currently coordinating with the Indonesian Embassy to get the overstayers deported at their country’s expense.” He said the Kingdom is not responsible for the deportation expenses of overstayers from any country.
“The authorities have to find an immediate solution to this problem of overstayers, as they continue to live in unhealthy conditions. The neighborhood stinks and it reflects negatively on the people of this area,” said 35-year-old Kandarah resident Ramzi Ali.
