faceted problem that will likely never go away, no matter how harsh punishment may be. The reasons for people overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia are numerous, and, ultimately, not likely to involve any behavior that under most circumstances would be considered criminal. Because of that, the pardon issued to illegal immigrants by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is a very wise and humanitarian move, and we urge overstayers to take advantage of this opportunity to present themselves to the proper authorities who, rather than arrest and fine them, will assist them in returning to their home countries. The Kingdom, of course, is a significant destination for immigrants or migrants looking to better their lot in life. Approximately one-third of Saudi Arabia's population is made up of foreigners, the majority of whom have entered the country legally and maintained their visas by following the Kingdom's laws. There are, however, an estimated three million people who are staying here illegally. A large illegal population can present serious problems as the difficulties in landing a job can force people to engage in an underground economy, unregulated by law and open to influences whose illegality go beyond simply crossing a border without permission. It can be, intentionally or not, subversive and cause damage to the legitimate economy. Obviously, King Abdullah has taken into account the many aspects of illegal immigration and taken a humanitarian path toward solving the problem. Illegal immigrants now have a six-month window to leave the country without any legal repercussions. The King has rightfully seen fit to take mercy on people who, in many cases, are eager to return home but have been hesitant to do so because of the penalties they would face before leaving the Kingdom. It is an extremely humane manner for cleaning house. __
