12,000 Bangladeshi illegal immigrants to leave Saudi Arabia

Around 12,000 Bangladeshis are set to return from Saudi Arabia before June 30, after Riyadh set a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the kingdom.

The Bangladeshi nationals have received clearance from the Saudi government to leave the kingdom before Jun 30.

Those meeting the June 30 deadline will be spared under `General Pardon` and can travel to Saudi Arabia legally again in the future. But those failing to honour the deadline will face jail terms and fine, the daily said.

The Saudi government made the announcement on March 20.

Earlier the Saudi Interior Ministry on March 19 launched a “A Nation Without Violations” campaign to give residency and labor law violators 90 days to leave the country without penalties.

Prince Mohammed bin Naif, crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of interior, urged violators to take advantage of the 90-day grace period, which becomes effective March 29, to correct their status and make use of the assistance provided.

The crown prince directed authorities to facilitate the procedures of people who seek to leave the country within the specified period and relieve them from all sanctions.