Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie announced that beginning 15 July all expatriates in the Kingdom should be covered by the new cooperative health insurance scheme. According to the minister, the scheme is expected to generate annual revenues amounting to SR10 billion from expatriates. Dr. Al-Manie added that residence permits would be issued only to foreigners who can provide evidence that they are covered by the health insurance.
Prince Abdullah ibn Mansour, chairperson of the Shifa Al-Bahrain Medical Group (SBMG) announced a joint venture with Mohammed Al Rabbih Est. of Riyadh to open relief clinics in Saudi Arabia to cater to the needs of low-income expatriates. These private health clinics, which will be opened from September to December this year in Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, would offer up to 80 percent discounts on consultation fees to foreign workers earning less than SR400 a month. SBMG has recruited 40 specialists from India to provide consultancy services in the relief clinics.
The muttawa (religious police) recently raided a private residence in Jeddah and arrested four Christians, including two Eritreans and two Ethiopians, who were allegedly conducting a prayer service. More than 100 Eritreans, Ethiopians and Filipino Christians were assembled in the house when the muttawa, armed with wooden clubs, broke into the house. They waited for three hours until the service was over before arresting the four Christian leaders.
Saudi Arabia now allows the practice of religions other than Islam but only in private. Despite this new rule however, the religious police persists in arresting those who practice their faith even if done in private.
Filipino community leader Dr. Carlito Astillero is appealing for donations to raise blood money to secure the release of co-national Benedicto Capulong from jail. Capulong was jailed after the trailer he was driving collided with a GMS Suburban in Jumoum, near Makkah in June 2004, killing its four passengers. The families of the victims are demanding blood money amounting to SR250,000, which the poor driver could not raise by himself. Astillero also tried contacting officials at the Consulate General in Jeddah and the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh for assistance but has received no response from them.
Sources: Javid Hassan, “New clinics planned for low-income expatriates," Arab News, 18 June 2006; “Christians arrested in Saudi Arabia," Asia News, 19 June 2006; Wafa Issa, “Holders of false qualifications will be deported," Gulf News, 21 June 2006; Rodolfo Estimo, “Filipinos raise blood money to win compatriot’s freedom," Arab News, 22 June 2006; “Health insurance for expats from July 15," Arab News, 23 June 2006