Apparently, Saudi Arabia has been more strict when it comes to incoming passengers and their baggage. Since July of this year, all electronic devices are required for check up. This includes laptops, flash drives, mp3 players. A “special” tool will scan content of these electronic devices and anything that violates Saudi rules will be confiscated. So it’s possible for someone who will bring in storage media with pornographic materials or laptops with pirated software to face deportation or jail terms. Compromising devices may as well be confiscated, so beware when you are traveling to Saudi Arabia. Here’s the directive from OWWA about this matter.
TO : ALL PDOS PROVIDERS
SUBJECT: NEW AIRPORT RULES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Please advise all your workers bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that the Kingdom has begun implementing a new rule in its various airports regarding electronic devices being carried by arriving foreign workers.
All electronic devices are now required to be submitted for check-up before the immigration section. These include cellular phones with memory cards, flash disks, external hard drives, laptops, ipod and mp3 players.
A special device will be inserted into the electronic devices that will scan all videos, pictures etc. which will be recorded to their main computer. All devices with nude or sexy pictures and similar materials will be immediately confiscated. Laptops with pirated software will also be confiscated.
Although no fine is being imposed at present, passengers who refuse to be subjected to the inspection will be either sent to jail or deported. Your compliance is hereby enjoined.
[signed]
CARMELITA S. DIMZON, DPA
Administrator
28 July 2009
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