According to a press release from the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, which was received by ANTARA on Thursday, as many as 503 persons overstaying their welcome were repatriated on Wednesday from the King Abdul Aziz airport at 20:00 local time using a special Saudi Air airplane.
The group comprised of 366 females, 58 males and 79 children.
The processing of such Indonesian nationals will continue until all those living in the Shumaysi shelter are sent back in accordance with the commitments made by the Saudi Arabian government.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is continuing to assist the process by transporting such persons to the King Abdul Aziz Airport and providing food and assistance for each departure.
The efforts to repatriate Indonesian nationals overstaying in the country is in line with the commitment made by the Saudi Arabian authorities on Dec. 1, where it agreed to provide 16 special Saudia Air aircraft for the deportation of those who are currently living in the Shumaysi shelter.
In keeping with that commitment, the repatriation process will continue to target the return of all Indonesian citizens who are currently being held by immigration authorities in the Shumaysi shelter.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian authorities have also opened up an independent repatriation process for persons who entered Saudi Arabia on the basis of Umrah and Hajj visas and had overstayed beyond the time allotted by their visas. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
