The Saudi Interior Ministry launched a 90-day amnesty campaign starting on 29 March giving those working and living in the country without the required visas and permits the opportunity to leave without incurring any penalties, reports newspaper the Saudi Gazette.
The amnesty had been due to end on 25 June but was extended by 30 days.
Early estimates had put the number of labour and residence violators at around one million.
The country’s passport department, the Jawazat, said that more than 12,000 people who left voluntarily have come back legally to the Kingdom with new work visas.
“Some of them have come back within a week of their departure,” the department said.
No fingerprints
Those leaving the country must attend one of around 50 reception points set up by Jawazat and complete necessary departure procedures before leaving.
However, people are able to leave the country without being fingerprinted, which will allow them to return to the country legally at any time.
The Jawazat has encouraged those in the country illegally to make use of the remaining grace period and leave the country voluntarily.
Anyone who completes the departure procedures but remains in Saudi Arabia will be jailed and fined around SAR100,000 (£20,385, $26,653, €23,242).
A senior Jawazat official last month warned that security authorities will track down potential violators after the amnesty period expires and impose strict penalties, including imprisonment, fines, deportation and a ban on entering Saudi Arabia.
