Expatriates who came to the Indian and Pakistani missions to rectify their status or return home said they were anxious as only 17 days are left before the amnesty deadline expires and that an extension to the July 3 deadline is needed.
Muhammad Khan, a Pakistani worker who had come to the embassy to correct his status, told Arab News that many expatriates are panicking with just 17 days left before the amnesty period for undocumented workers ends.
Another worker, Imran, who is working as a painter, said it will be tough to stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for even a short while as those hit by Nitaqat will be the target of the security personnel, who will raid workplaces as well as houses after the deadline.
Muzafar Hussain, another distressed Pakistani worker, said, “We never thought we would face such a problem. It is not a simple issue as it involves many technicalities and standing in long queues outside the embassies in the scorching heat is not easy.”
Zeeshan, an Indian worker, said, “The long queues in front of the embassy and Jawazat office are the real problem because of the heat. People asking for hefty charges to change status is also a worry.”
Moeenuddin, community welfare attaché at the Pakistani embassy, said, “We have requested the Saudi authorities for an extension of the grace period so that our people can complete their procedures.”
