Saudi Arab government has ruled out any extension of the amnesty period given to illegal migrant workers, turning down requests from seven Asian nations.
It also warned illegal workers and their Saudi employers that countrywide raids would start on November 4.
Bangladesh was among the seven Asian countries that asked the Saudi government to extend the amnesty period for illegal workers who were waiting for their paperwork to be processed despite applying on time, reported Arab News on Friday.
Although diplomatic missions have not been using the word extension, they said their workers had done their part and it was now “up to the other side to act.”
According to sources, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines have approached the Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels to give their workers more time.
Saudi authorities have already deported more than 800,000 illegal expatriate workers and the ministries of interior and labour have warned citizens and companies against hiring illegal expats.
