Abu Haniyya DAMMAM — The grace period announced by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is going to end on November 3. The Indian Embassy has left no stone unturned to make sure that no Indian in the Kingdom remains illegal after the amnesty ends, according to Sibi George, Deputy Commission of Mission (DCM), Indian Embassy, who was speaking to registered volunteers and media persons here Saturday. “Over 1.23 million people have rectified their status and 300,000 people left the country, and we should realize that those who left country were waiting for this moment. “The speculation made by some Indian media, especially Kerala media that huge number of Indians are going to come back from Saudi Arabia have been proved wrong, rather I must tell you that the number of Indians have gone up in last four months,” said George. George asserted that the diplomatic relation between the Kingdom and India is very strong. “Our trade relations have strengthened in last decade. “We will continue to build better trade relations with the Kingdom, and we are inviting more Saudi companies to invest in India. “We should be thankful to the King and the authorities for their kind gesture that allowed millions to rectify their status. The grace period come as a blessing in disguise for millions who were on free visa,” he said. The DCM said that the authorities have kept their promise to help the expatriate community, and they have worked day and night for them. Expatriates who have filed cases against their employers, George said, will not be considered illegal even after the amnesty ends. “We have got assurance from the labor ministry that they will not be considered as illegal residents even after grace period.” George said: “We urge all Indians who have any problems with their sponsors to file their complaints in the labor offices to avoid penal actions after the grace period.” George also told his audience to not believe in rumors about the further extension of the amnesty. He said those who do not act now will face serious consequences; the embassy will then be helpless as Saudi authorities have every right to execute the regulations. “We should never listen to the rumors and speculations and try to rectify everything legally More opportunities for skilled Indians will arise in the future as the economy of the Kingdom is growing at a faster pace. It will require more engineers, doctors and many other professionals. The Indian government is determined to take this further ahead and strengthen trade relations with the Kingdom; the Labor Minister of Saudi Arabia is expected to visit India soon. “This will open up new horizons; we will not remain merely as a labor supply country but as best economic partners.” George also said that India and Saudi will sign an accord allowing the Kingdom to recruit Indian domestic workers, a local daily reported. George thanked the print media for its extensive support during the campaign by creating awareness among the masses. Goerge, who is the pioneer in bringing Indian community together, had formed a big network of volunteers. “We have over 800 registered volunteers who have done a tremendous job in helping people during this grace period,” he said. Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao, acknowledging the volunteers, said: “They were our ears and eyes, they will continue to be our partners in the process of community development.”
