No New Grace Period to Rectify Labor Violations
The Ministry of Labor has said in clear terms that no more grace period would be granted to violators of residency and labor law regulations.
The statement came in response to swirling rumors that the government was planning to give illegals another grace period.
“No decision has been taken and no orders have been issued to grant any grace period to labor law violators,” said Taysir Al-Mofrej, a spokesman at the ministry. He dismissed any such move and described reports appearing in a section of the media as mere speculation. “These rumors are spread by those who do not know the difference between a grace period and a campaign,” he said.
He said the ministry has been continuing with its correction campaign to arrest violators of work and iqama regulations. The last date for such corrections was Nov. 5, 2013.
Despite the categorical denial, a number of employers and employees hope that the grace period for rectification will be resumed, especially for those who were not permitted to transfer their sponsorship, such as farm laborers, shepherds and fishermen.
Others also hope for the resumption of the grace period to transfer their sponsorship to new employers. Such hopes are based on the fact that the amnesty for illegals, which was to end on July 5, 2013, was extended to Nov. 5, 2013.
Lt. Gen. Othman Al-Mohrej, director of Public Security, said Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Naif, said the launch of the second phase of the security campaign against the labor law violators would begin next month. It will be undertaken on a daily basis in collaboration with other departments, such as the General Directorate of Passports and Prisons.
He said the correction campaign has resulted in a drastic drop in crime rate in the country.