Security authorities in Saudi Arabia said they would reward anyone who reports residency or labour violations involving expatriates, according to Gulf News daily.
The reward could reach up to SR50,000, Jamaan bin Ahmad Al Ghamidi, consultant to public security, said at a town hall meeting with officials, tribe leaders and education and media figures in Al Baha in the southwest of the kingdom.
However, Al Ghamidi warned there would be zero tolerance towards anyone who employs or harbours any foreigner staying illegally in the country.
He said that conniving with the violators in any way would be strictly addressed, explaining that their presence in the country was a high-security, economic, social and health risk.
"The campaign has been successful in Al Baha where, so far, 1,350 foreigners have regularised their situation in a short time," he said, quoted by Saudi daily Al Madina on Tuesday. "Several aspects have been tackled and the campaign has designated 30 companies to employ foreigners in a legal way and for cheaper operation costs. Visas were also issued to help those who could hold positions that are not included in the Saudisation programme, such as domestic helpers, farmers, construction workers and shepherds."
In March, the Saudi authorities gave foreigners staying illegally three months to leave the kingdom without paying fines or facing legal measures.