Most crimes committed by expatriates are caused by unemployment, delayed salary payment and failure of the government to provide work permits for their dependents and those born in the country, a recent study suggested.

The study conducted by Farouk Al-Khatib under the auspices of Prince Mishaal bin Majed at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, revealed that many expatriates want to get rich by turning to crime. This has raised crime rates in the country.

The study also examined the phenomenon of cover-up businesses in the Kingdom, which local reports estimate at SR236 billion.

The study found that 50.7 percent of visas issued were for work and 25.8 percent for Umrah. It said there was a need to train Saudi nationals to replace skilled expatriates.

The study also indicated that the small and medium-sized sector needs a committed work force.

In the current labor market, many unemployed workers have turned to crime and violate regulations in major cities such as Jeddah, the study reported.

Other risks include the failure to allow dependents of expatriates to work legally, causing them to seek alternative means of employment to support their families. Another problem is the lack of work permits for expatriates born in Saudi Arabia.

The study also highlighted the issue of pilgrims who remain in the country after performing Haj and Umrah, and choose Jeddah because it is a large city where they can find work, hide from the authorities or transfer their sponsorships.

The study found that this was a longstanding and growing problem despite efforts by government agencies to counter it. "In addition, the annual increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims and visitors had contributed to a higher incidence of violations,” the study said.

Al-Khatib said: “The problem has become very complex with the increasing number of expats delaying their departure every year during the month of Ramadan, and after the pilgrimage season. Daily security reports confirm such groups are responsible for crimes that threaten the security of individuals and the community as a whole.”