The Interior Ministry has warned that it would deport non-Muslim expatriates found eating and drinking in public during Ramadan.

"Non-Muslim expatriates should respect the feelings of Muslims by not eating, drinking or smoking in public places such as streets and workplaces. They should not think that they are exempted from this because they are followers of other faiths," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry reminded workers that their contracts stipulate that they should respect Islam's rituals and practices, including the month of fasting.

The ministry warned that it would deport those who break the law. It stressed that employers and companies should inform their foreign workers about the penalties for violating the sanctity of the holy month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.