A rioting mob of angry Indonesian expatriates by thousands set fire to wood and furniture at the entrance of the Indonesian consulate in Jeddah on Sunday.

Several injuries were reported, but details were still unavailable. Ambassador Gatot Abdullah Mansyur told Arab News that they were still checking if there’s any casualty or how many workers were injured. All diplomats and consular staff were reported to be safe.

Civil Defense teams, police, special forces and Red Crescent ambulances tried to restore order as men and women chanted angry slogans against consulate officials cowering inside. The incident followed a stampede on Saturday when Indonesian women stormed the consulate. At least 3 women were seriously injured and scores received minor bumps and bruises. Several women had fainted.

The confrontation between expatriates, police and Indonesian consulate officials stemmed from Indonesian workers’ frustration over long delays and lack of organization at the consulate following hasty attempts by ‘illegals’ to rectify their visa status by the July 3 deadline.

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