Police dispersed a crowd of more than 500 expat workers gathered at the Taif Municipality protesting against nonpayment of wages and having their residency permits withheld for months, in addition to being denied annual leave for more than 10 years.

Police patrols persuaded the workers to go back to their places of accommodation.

Workers complained of cruel treatment and disregard for even basic human rights. Their wages had been withheld for two months, and with funds drying up, they were experiencing problems back home.

The workers also pointed out that they have no health care plans.

Others said their iqamas (residency permits) had been withheld and that they haven’t seen their families for more than 10 years. Only a few of these workers were allowed to travel outside the Kingdom.

Sources told local media that their contract with the company in which they work had expired, but that officials have not terminated the contracts.

The company hired other workers and put them in the accommodation meant for its previous employees, the sources said.

Ismael Ibrahim, the official spokesman for Taif's Municipality, said that the protestors are contracted by a company that no longer works with the municipality.

Lt. Col. Turki Al-Shahri, the spokesman for Taif Police, said that the operation room received calls about a crowd of workers demanding their financial rights and the legalization of their status.

Security forces proceeded to the location and the issue was referred to authorizes to settle the dispute.