Manama: Saudi Arabia has denied reports that the grace period for foreigners staying illegally in the kingdom to regularise their situation will be extended.
Social networks in the country had posted claims that illegal foreigners would be given extra months to put their official documents in order.
According to Gulf News, the Labour Ministry said that there would be no extension and the Interior Ministry warned that there would be no leniency and that it would take stringent measures against violators.
Both ministries had for months urged all foreigners in the kingdom to make sure that their status was in accordance with the rules and regulations in the given grace period.
The call prompted thousands of people to submit documents that would enable them to stay in the country.
The grace period ends on Sunday. Around nine million foreigners live in Saudi Arabia, mainly in construction and service sectors.
