Advisory 2011/32

14 May 2011

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh recalls that the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced last 27 April 2011 that the Royal Pardon that was granted to expatriates who have violated residency rules and overstayed their visas  last 22 September 2010 (for a period of six months, or up to 23 March 2011) has been extended up to 14 September 2011.

The Philippine Embassy immediately sent on 02 May 2011 a Note to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify the parameters of the Royal Pardon as news reports regarding the extension differed on the coverage.

The Arab News reported on 27 April 2011 that the Royal Pardon “includes visa overstayers and people who are currently residing in the Kingdom in violation of the terms of their iqamas (work/residency permits), such as those who have absconded from their legal employment.”

On the other hand, the Alriyadh newspaper reported on 28 April 2011 that the Royal Pardon will cover “overstayers who came to the Kingdom on Hajj, Umrah, or Visit Visas, whose visas expired before September 25, 2010.”

In this regard, the Philippine Embassy is still waiting for the reply of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter.

Ministry of Interior Extends Time for Overstayers to Leave Kingdom to Benefit from Royal Pardon

RIYADH - SPA:

The Ministry of Interior announced today the extension of the time of the royal pardon to leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until September 14, 2011 for Overstayers who came to the Kingdom on Hajj, Umrah or Visit Visas, whose Visas expired before September 25, 2010.

In a press statement today, The Ministry of Interior called on Overstayers included in the royal pardon to capitalize this opportunity by reporting to the nearest foreigner offices to avoid subjecting themselves and those persons who transport, harbor, deal with and facilitate their overstay to the maximum penalties including fines, imprisonment, vehicle confiscation, and slander by local newspapers.