I got you, babe! Saudi clinics assist illegal immigrants in childbirth

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will intensify its inspection tours of polyclinics as part of a crackdown on the practice of assisting undocumented mothers to give birth, a source told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

Most undocumented pregnant women go to small polyclinics and pay between SR2,500-SR4,000 ($665-$1065) to deliver their babies.

The MOH source said there has been a recent increase in the fatality rate of babies born to undocumented mothers or those violating residency regulations. The increase has been blamed on the shortage of experienced doctors at polyclinics and the lack of advanced medical equipment used when complications arise.

Most cases involve women who entered the Kingdom as pilgrims and overstayed their visas or those who were brought to the Kingdom on visit visas but never returned home, the source explained.

As part of its new plan, the ministry will carry out surprise inspections of all major polyclinics in Riyadh and Makkah regions where a large number of expatriate workers live and work.

Strict measures will be taken against violators.

The Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) is going to make it mandatory for all expatriates to have medical insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Starting Jan. 21, expatriates who do not have medical insurance for their dependents will not have their iqamas (residence permits) renewed.