JEDDAH,Oct 2(Arab News): The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has asked the Indian expatriate community to wait for further information regarding the Kingdom’s recent announcement of a six-month general amnesty for immigrants residing in the country illegally.

“As the Consulate General of India does not have any official communication from the government authorities in this regard, the consulate is not in a position to answer various queries of the community concerning departure procedures,” a consulate official told Arab News. “Once the details as to who are covered by this amnesty is received, the consulate would be in a better position to advise and assist the expatriates.

“Till then, the Indian expatriate community is requested to wait for a press notification by the Indian Consulate in Jeddah.”

The Indian community, meanwhile, has expressed gratitude to Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for granting the royal amnesty. The National Secretariat of the Risala Study Circle (RSC) warmly welcomed the declaration by the Saudi government. The secretariat also requested all expatriates including Indians who are overstayers and illegal aliens to benefit from this pardon at the earliest opportunity and leave the Kingdom without punishment.

After studying details of the amnesty, RSC will set up help desks through its 25 zonal committees throughout the Kingdom to help those wishing to return home complete necessary procedures for their departure. RSC volunteers will serve in cooperation with various consulate offices.