Saudi Arabia

Saudi Forces Clash with Foreign Workers

13920819000157_PhotoI Western-backed Saudi security forces clashed with foreign workers protesting against a new labor law in the country.
The clashes broke out in the poor Manfuhah neighborhood of Southern Riyadh on Saturday, one week into the government’s visa crackdown on foreign laborers, press tv reported.

The security forces in riot gear dispersed large crowds by firing into the air and using batons.

Scores of people were running through streets and some reportedly threw stones at the forces.

Without directly referring to the protests, a police statement released by a state media said in the light of “what has happened,” a location has been assigned for those who surrender voluntarily.

On Wednesday, an Ethiopian was killed during the crackdown, prompting the Ethiopian government to announce efforts underway to return its citizens.

“The ones who failed are the ones who are being repatriated,” said the spokesman for the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry Dina Mufti on Saturday.

On Monday, a seven-month amnesty for expatriate workers to rectify their visa status without penalty or leave the country expired.

Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to leave the country during the time.

Many of the foreign workers say they could not use the amnesty due to bureaucratic difficulties or disputes with their original sponsors.

Thirty Filipino workers, who returned to the capital Manila on Monday, revealed details of their ordeal during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

“They treated us like animals,” said 46-year-old domestic helper Amor Roxas.

Expatriates account for around nine million of Saudi Arabia’s population of 28 million.

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