The legalization campaign targeting labor law violators is nearing its end and the government has no plans to extend the deadline beyond Nov. 3, says Deputy Labor Minister Mefreh Al-Haqbani.

He also warned that the new Hijri year will be the “year of inspections.”

Al-Haqbani called on all private sector enterprises, employers and expatriates to take advantage of the grace period.

“The timely submission of paperwork is imperative to avoid deportation and being banned from entering the country,” he said, adding that employers, individual sponsors and enterprises would face extensive penal action for harboring illegals.

Al-Haqbani said violators would face a penalty of SR100,000 and a jail term of two years.

“The objective behind the amnesty is to ensure a healthy work environment in the Kingdom free of illegal residents,” the deputy minister said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to hire quality workers.

The Ministries of Labor and Interior plan to begin inspection campaigns as soon as the grace period ends.

The Ministry of Labor has assigned inspectors to work during the weekend. It has also appointed female inspectors.

Inspectors will carry identification cards and will work seven days a week, Al-Haqbani said.

“Inspectors are expected to prove their identity at the time of their visit to any workplace,” he added.

He said the ministry has tripled the number of officers to help people rectify their status on time.

“Officers will work in two shifts on all days until the end of the amnesty period,” he added.

The ministry has a toll free helpline on 920001173.

Expatriate violators seeking rectification to continue to work in the Kingdom are exempt from penalties and fines for violations that took place after Apr. 6.

In addition, expatriate laborers who have sought final-exit visas during the grace period will also be exempt from paying fees and fines.