We have witnessed the kindness and generosity of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah once again as he announces a three-month reprieve to expat workers to correct their iqama status. Now it is time for foreign missions to take necessary steps to legalize their citizens’ status. Expatriate workers need to more alert and active about their obligations.

Instead of waiting for the eleventh hour to rectify the irregularities, they should do it early. As the saying goes, “Make hay while the sun shines,” the illegal expats should make the most of King Abdullah’s merciful gesture.

The concerned authorities should also realize the gravity of the situation and should help their people in order to avoid any crisis in future. — Sunil Robert Thomas, Riyadh