Saudi Arabia announces amnesty for illegal migrants

Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who have been stuck there for years without legal papers have a will be granted an amnesty as part of the kingdom's plan to 'clean up the labour' market.

Saudi Labour Minister Adel Fakeih announced the plan which will allow undocumented foreign workers to leave Saudi Arabia on exit-only visas without being penalised, local media reported.

The amnesty programme will purge the employment market in the oil-rich Kingdom of about 1 million undocumented workers, Fakeih added.

“We believe that it would increase the chances of Saudi men and women getting more jobs,” the labour minister said.

Thousands of Nepalis are believed to be living in the kingdom illegally, The scheme will help them return home without facing legal hassles. nepalnews.com