Deport all expat criminals!

Abdulaziz Al-Muhammad Al-Thikair MANY countries around the world dispense alternative punishments to individuals who commit minor crimes and sentence convicts to community service. These countries want to reduce pressure on their prisons and ensure that they only house criminals involved in major crimes. Dangerous criminals are sent to special facilities that are run by specialized officers, technicians and supervisors. There are many reports about overcrowded prisons in our country. According to some reports, some cells that are only suitable for four people have more than 10. Apparently we have a problem; something that could take a dangerous turn over time. Swift action is needed or else we may face serious consequences. I am certain that senior officials are aware of this problem but no drastic action has so far been taken. Most of the time, the attempts to solve this problem are ineffective or impractical. I believe that the solution to overcrowded prison cells is to deport expatriate workers who are involved in crimes, even if they were misdemeanors. For example, if an expatriate worker is caught involved in counterfeiting, theft, harassment, etc., he should be immediately deported and his fingerprints should be taken to prevent him coming back. A copy of the judgment and case should be sent to the worker’s embassy as well. Our prisons are crammed with non-Saudis. Signing a prisoner exchange agreement with other countries will not be in the best interest of our country because Saudi prisoners abroad are few in number. I hope the authorities consider my solution to save the government money spent on expatriate prisoners.