(Reuters) - Thousands of mostly African workers gathered in Riyadh on Sunday
seeking repatriation after two people were killed in overnight rioting that
followed a visa crackdown by Saudi authorities.
One of those killed was a
Saudi, said a government statement, and the other was not identified. An
Ethiopian man was killed in a visa raid last week.
Ethiopia's foreign
minister condemned the deaths, and told Reuters his government was working to
bring its citizens home.
"This is unacceptable. We call on the Saudi
government to investigate this issue seriously. We are also happy to take our
citizens, who should be treated with dignity while they are there," Foreign
Affairs Minister Tedros Adhanom said.
He said Addis Ababa had formally
complained to Riyadh and that embassy staff were working to help Ethiopians
return home.
Saudis abusing Ethiopian immigrants [Videos]
Hundreds of foreign workers clashed
with police on Saturday night and into Sunday in Manfouha, a poor district of
southern Riyadh where many low-income expatriates live.
Saudi authorities
said 68 were also wounded, including 20 Saudis. More than 500 were detained and
over 100 cars torched.
The Saudis said earlier this year they would no
longer tolerate visa irregularities which have led to a large black market in
cheap foreign labor in the world's top oil exporter.
Government raids on
businesses, markets and homes began last week after a seven-month amnesty for
foreigners to correct their visas or leave without paying penalties for
overstaying or breaking other rules, ended on November 4.
CROWDED
SCENESIn Manfouha, a long line of buses slowly filled up, as
Africans arrived from neighboring streets, alone or in groups, and carrying
bags. One man walked with his little daughter, while women carried babies,
Reuters witnesses said.
Groups of people in Arab and south Asian dress
stood on rooftops to watch. While the scene unfolded peacefully, many police
stood nearby and several ambulances were also present.
"No iqama
(residence permit)," said one man who said he was seeking repatriation to
Ethiopia. He said he had arrived in Saudi Arabia illegally a year ago after
paying smugglers 5,000 Saudi riyals ($1,333) to make the dangerous trip over the
Strait of Hormuz and overland through Yemen.
"There's no money at home.
Nothing at home," he said, pulling a suitcase on wheels.