Saudi Arabia

Government agencies sign draft anti-trafficking law

A final draft law battling human trafficking was signed by seven government agencies and will be submitted to the Council of Ministers.  The draft seeks to curb the exploitation of women and to impose sanctions against agents forcing women into the sex trade and confiscating their passports. The draft was signed by the following agencies: Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Labor, the Saudi Human Rights Commission and the Authority for Public Prosecution and Investigation. 

New e-visa rules to tighten security, curb overstaying

Saudi Arabia’s new Umrah e-visa pilgrimage rules have simplified the process for pilgrims. To curb overstaying, authorities will suspend the license of a foreign Umrah agent if at least two percent of pilgrims are left behind.  When pilgrims arrive in the country, concerned departments will check if they return at the expiry of visa, otherwise authorities will immediately contact the responsible agents. A separate body for handling overstaying pilgrims has also been recommended. 

Irregular migrants abandoned in desert

Ninety-four irregular migrants were found abandoned in a desert after police received reports from motorists who saw foreigners stranded on the Dhalim-Afif road.  They were allegedly dumped in the desert by an Indian driver and an accomplice, said to be members of a trafficking ring.  The two drove away with smuggling fees worth SR65, 000. They were later arrested and handed over to authorities for interrogation.

Bangladeshis protest abuses, nonpayment of wages

Around 130 Bangladeshi workers gathered in front of their  consulate in early April to protest non-payment of wages for almost 16 months and were not given time off.  They said the company did not renew their residence permits, leaving them to face risks of deportation without getting their wages.  The workers are currently living on the support by the Bangladeshi community.  The consulate has already filed a complaint to the Labor Office, but it does not know when the case will be resolved.

In another case, 25 Bangladeshi workers at a contracting company also went on strike, claiming nonpayment of wages for several months at a Yanbu-based construction site. Police detained the supplier who received their wages and are finding ways to resolve the dispute.

Sources: Habib Shaikh, “Saudi introduces new e-visa rules,” Khaleej Times, 6 April 2008; “Cargo of illegals dumped in desert,” Bahrain Tribune, 7 April 2008; Hasan Hatrash, “Unpaid for 16 months, Bangladeshi workers cry foul,” Arab News, 8 April 2008; Bong Concha, “Repatriation of stranded OFWs in Jeddah begins Friday,” GMA News, 12 April 2008; Mariam Al Hakeem, “Agencies endorse new draft law on human trafficking,” Gulf News, 16 April 2008; Muhammad Al-Homaid, “Bangladeshi workers protest wage delays,” Arab News, 20 April 2008; “Umrah rules put onus on agents to curb overstaying,” Arab News, 26 April 2008