Saudi Arabia said on Friday it would continue raids that started four days ago on foreign labourers whose job contracts and residency permits have expired after being given a grace period to rectify their status. The raids, a collective effort by both the ministries of interior and labour, are currently being carried out according to the directions of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and after a Cabinet decision aimed at providing more opportunities for unemployed Saudi nationals. Many shops and businesses were seen closed in the capital Riyadh with a significant decrease in foreign labour once found in abundance. Traffic was also considerably lower as a result of the nationwide inspections. Some 16,487 people have been so far rounded up in the nationwide operation as local officials have said that the raids would continue on a daily basis. Unemployment levels of Saudi nationals in the country is at 12 percent while foreign labour occupy a 55 percent majority.