Hundreds queue up at Indian Embassy to benefit from amnesty

RIYADH: Hundreds of illegal Indian expats queued up at the Indian Embassy Wednesday and Thursday at the start of the 90-day amnesty period that offers those who are illegally staying to leave the Kingdom without penalty.

Anil Nautiyal, first secretary of community welfare at the Indian Embassy told Arab News on Thursday the embassy will serve Indian nationals during the three-month long amnesty period.

“On (Wednesday), 820 people queued up at the embassy, out of which 615 people applied for the emergency certificate or out-pass,” he said. “The queue is long on Thursday too, and we are expecting almost the same number taking benefit of it.”

Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed monitored the process and interacted with applicants, officials and volunteers coordinating with them in order to ensure a hassle-free service, said Nautiyal.

The ambassador appealed to all the



overstaying Indians to take advantage of the 2017 amnesty, which is not only limited to the Riyadh and Jeddah facilities, but is also available at 21 other locations spread across the Kingdom.

Application centers to handle departures include facilities in Dammam, Jubail, Hail, Buraida, Wadi Al-Dwaser, Al-Khafji, Al-Jouf, Hafr Al-Batin, Arar and Hofuf. The embassy has set up a 24/7 control room with a toll free number 8002471234 and a helpline +966 11 4884697 for the amnesty period.

The out-pass and exit visa will be issued at no charge. The embassy and the consulate will provide the travel documents. Saudi authorities will facilitate with the exit visa, while the return ticket is to be arranged by the applicant.

The out-pass beneficiary should complete a 2-page application form; provide a passport copy (first and last page), one photo, and an iqama copy, border number or visa page of the passport6