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A man prays at the Shaikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi in preparation for Ramadan. Saudi Arabia has said it will expel foreigners who break Ramadan rules in public. Image used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News

Manama: Saudi Arabia will deport any foreigner caught eating or drinking food in public during Ramadan.

The warning by the Interior Ministry was announced as Muslims started on Friday a lunar month of fasting and prayer.

“Labour contracts stipulate preserving the sanctity of the tenets of Islam and compliance with the regulations in the country, including respect for Ramadan,” the ministry said. “Those who fail to adhere to the rules will face stringent action, including the termination of contracts and deportation from the kingdom.”

Companies and institutions employing non-Muslims should boost their awareness about the Ramadan rules in the country, the ministry said.

Around eight million foreigners live in Saudi Arabia, mainly labourers from Asian countries.