Saudi authorities continue raid on illegal residents

Saudi Arabia said on Friday it would continue raids that started four days ago on foreign labourers whose job contracts and residency permits have expired after being given a grace period to rectify their status. The raids, a collective effort by both the ministries of interior and labour, are currently being carried out according to the directions of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and after a Cabinet decision aimed at providing more opportunities for unemployed Saudi nationals. Many shops and businesses were seen closed in the capital Riyadh with a significant decrease in foreign labour once found in abundance. Traffic was also considerably lower as a result of the nationwide inspections. Some 16,487 people have been so far rounded up in the nationwide operation as local officials have said that the raids would continue on a daily basis. Unemployment levels of Saudi nationals in the country is at 12 percent while foreign labour occupy a 55 percent majority.