NIGERIA (Abuja) – A total of 508 Nigerians would be repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Federal Government from Wednesday.

This was revealed by the Nigerian Consul-General to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Ahmed Umar,  on Tuesday, adding that the 508 Nigerians were those that voluntarily decided to return home.

Saudi Arabia officials have commenced a heavy clampdown on illegal immigrants after expiration of the four months amnesty given to them to regularize their stay.

Amb. Umar said the repatriation, earlier scheduled to begin on Dec. 22, was stalled when the aircraft that was meant to convey them developed technical problems on the eve of their departure.

“The federal government responded promptly to the need of those Nigerians who indicated their desire to return home.

“The consulate had provided items such as food, blankets and other needs for women and children.

“The consulate had maintained round the clock presence with the deportees to ensure that all their immediate needs were met, including medical attention.

“The sick were regularly taken to the clinic located within the facility for instant examination and treatment.”  Umar explained.

He said the arrest of illegal immigrants including Nigerians in that country was still going on.

“Out of those arrested by the Saudi authorities 1,150 had been transported home by the Saudi government,” the consul-general said.