month window period for violators to leave RIYADH – The Ministry of Interior has announced a blanket Royal pardon for all Umrah, Haj and other visitors who have violated the country's residency laws. Illegal residents will have a six-month window period – from Sept. 25 this year to March 23 next year – to apply to leave the Kingdom. The pardon applies to all residency law violations that have been committed before the date of the pardon, according to a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Illegal residents are advised to complete the necessary procedures for their departure at the nearest foreigners' personnel office (Wafideen). The ministry advised all individuals who have broken the law to take up this opportunity. There will be harsh penalties for people who continue to commit violations, including for those who shelter violators. Penalties include imprisonment, fines, confiscation of vehicles and having their names published in local newspapers. According to reports, there is an estimated one to three million illegal residents in the Kingdom. The authorities have recorded some success in tackling the problem of illegal residents. According to a Border Guard report, the number of persons entering the Kingdom illegally had fallen by approximately 72,000 over the last two years. The Border Guard is the authority tasked by the Ministry of Interior with maintaining security at the country's borders and seaports, targeting smuggling and illegal immigrants. According to the report, 105,494 attempts to enter the country at nine land and sea crossing points were registered in the first seven months of this year, with the highest single figure registered in Jizan where 89,942 illegal immigrants were detained. Najran came in second with 11,110 instances, followed by Asir with 4,080, the Eastern Province with 239, the Northern Border Province with 43, and the Province of Makkah, also with 43. Last year 309,201 illegal immigrants were held at border points, compared to the previous year's figure of 381,460. The report praised the work of the various authorities responsible for border management and security, and noted the “considerable contribution” of modernization plans, which have included the introduction of “infrared cameras and hi
