By GALAL FAKKAR | ARAB NEWS

Expatriates queue to file their claims outside a post office in Jeddah in this file photo. Rumors that exit and re-entry visas would be converted into final exit visas at the airports has caused panic among many expats in the kingdom. (AN)

JEDDAH: A number of expatriates, especially laborers, drivers, masons and salesmen have said they would cancel their plans to travel home this summer following strong rumors that exit and re-entry visas would be converted into final exit visas at the airports.

Though passport officials all over the Kingdom have categorically denied these rumors as baseless and false, many workers are not convinced.

Apprehensive of the situation they are demanding a clear-cut clarification of the official position from the Interior Ministry.

“We want a clear statement from the Interior Ministry to say these rumors are incorrect,” a Bangladeshi expatriate who chose to remain anonymous told Arab News.

Some expatriates said the final exits would be given to holders of iqamas (residence permits) with numbers starting with 19. Holders of these iqamas were mostly expatriates who have spent 25 years or more in the Kingdom.

“I have decided with some of my friends not to go home this year in case we are not allowed to come back,” said Hamza Koti, an Indian worker at a cafeteria.

He told Arab News that he would only go home when the rumors were put to bed. “I will only travel when I feel it is right and I am reassured,” he added.