It is no secret that Saudi Arabia has strict rules and laws, especially for foreigners, and ex-pats living there are obliged to follow them.
Should people fail to follow the rules, the country is known to ban or blacklist people permanently. This applies to overseas Filipino workers, as well. Bans and penalties can be summarized in three major categories: criminal cases, civil, and moral cases. Labor cases are a specific category, which is mostly the reason for bans and blacklists of Filipinos working and living in Saudi Arabia. It is also worth noting that once people are banned from Saudi Arabia, chances are, the ban applies to other GCC countries, including Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Here are the top reasons why some Filipinos, and people from different nationalities, are barred from entering Saudi Arabia.
Inability to pay loans, debts, and credit cards.
This applies for both personal or company loans. Paying your taxes and investments is essential anywhere, but authorities in Saudi Arabia have zero tolerance for ex-pats on this matter. That is why it is for the best interest of a foreign worker to settle all outstanding debts, loans and obligations before departing from the country.
Robbery, theft, and other criminal offenses.
Once caught, ex-pats may expect speedy deportation and ban from entering Saudi Arabia. That’s if the punishment doesn’t include lengthy jail term or, worse, death sentence.
Failure to follow Islamic laws
Religion laws in Saudi Arabia are stringent. Preaching other religions other than Islam in public is punishable. Even encouraging or participating in religious events can lead to a ban. People are allowed to practice their faith and pray in their own home. But once out of the comfort of the house, only Islam applies.
Detection of certain diseases.
If a person is infected with STD, HIV, AIDS, or other infectious diseases, he/she is banned and deported.
Falsification of documents.
Expats should never ever try to falsely reproduce their legal documents. Falsification is punishable, and that applies for marriage or birth certificates, diplomas, PRC cards, employment certificates and visas. Corruption, and keeping possession of fake ID, driver’s license and other identification documents is punishable by the law of Saudi Arabia.
Involvement in gambling.
Gambling is not allowed. Any money games like lotto, pot money, and lottery are forbidden in Saudi Arabia, and if caught, people can expect a ban.
Involvement in immoral activity.
Moral is highly praised in Muslim countries, especially in Saudi Arabia. Adultery, prostitution, soliciting sex, and other immoral behavior and acts are not tolerated. Possession of pornographic materials can also lead to deportation. Expressing love in public is rarely tolerable. If caught with a boyfriend/girlfriend in public, ex-pats might get banned.
Production, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Saudi Arabia has stringent rules for liquor and other alcoholic beverages. Therefore, producing or selling alcohol can sometimes lead to a ban and other harsh punishments.
Law-abiding foreign workers and citizens won’t find this list of reasons a source of anxiety. Observance and respect towards Saudi law will keep everyone from the risk from deportation and outright ban from entering the country.
