Detained by Saudi police on arrival

Perhaps a few more details

Did he use fake qualifications?
Did the previous employer agree to release him, or was he a runaway?
Did he leave any debt from his previous time in Saudi?

Any of the above might very well get him arrested, combinations more so.

From the information given by his current sponsor, this is all I know:
His current degree with which he was appointed as a senior engineer is legit and is verified to be original. But the degree which was submitted on his previous visit to the kingdom was apparently not verifiable. He had a little bit of credit amount left which he was ready to pay off. And for the part of his previous employer releasing him, I have mentioned that situation in my post.

Can this be resolved if we try negotiating or requesting his previous sponsor?

A fake degree is a crime
Running away without paying bills is theft - He's a thief - Harsh but true.
Going back to a country where you're wanted for criminal behaviour was plain dumb.

I suppose his best bet is a lawyer***

FYI Taking a loan and paying it back after a certain amount of time period is NOT theft.
He has a legit degree right now, and went to Saudi with all original documents.
Thanks for exaggerating the problem instead of helping me find a solution.
He hasn't been given his cell phone, we are not able to contact him since a week. I hope this never happens to Ur loved one's.
Try helping people instead of claiming unnecessary false accusations.
I thought this is a helpful expatriates forum, but wow people here are no less than Twitter trolls.
***

I request the moderator to delete this thread, as I see no signs of help, but just baseless pointless criticism.

Well it could be a variety of things:

1) The degree that was submitted last time turned out to be fake - that leads to a case of forgery being filed
2) Not paying back debt and if bank files a case, could also lead to this

However, also keep in mind that if he left on exit re-entry and never came back; his sponsor could have marked him as "Huroob" or runaway.

What I am trying to say is that don't just trust the word of his sponsor.  The issue could be simple or complicated or totally different from what they say.

In this option, the only recourse available is to get a lawyer.  Or alternatively, have a family member go with an arab speaker to the police to find out what the issue is - if it is something that can be resolved by paying a fine and deportation, that would be easier.  If it is something that leads to jail time, you would definitely need to engage a lawyer.

And what you need to understand that this is quite common in Saudi.  Issues of the past linger on and are not cleared.  Expats get caught up in this as the issue takes a long time to become serious and by the time it does, people have forgotten about it until something like this happens.

Thanks a lot for a sensible reply XTang
The Saudi officials from his current company spoke to the police in Dammam, and they said there was nothing to do with debt or huroob. He had also cleared his immigration at the airport.

Do u know where will he be kept in cases like these?
I am trying send an Arabic speaking family member to Dammam asap.

Depends on the nature of police that arrested him.  If it is not a security related matter, he could either be held at the airport police station and then eventually transferred to one of the police stations in Dammam for processing before eventually being moved to central dammam prison.

What complicates the matter is that we don't know WHERE the case against him was filed.  Because, it could lead him to being transferred there after processing and not to central prison.

Bro,

I can understand your pain. Please note below:

1. Anyone who is detained, they give only one chance normally to talk to the sponsor/spouce etc. After that they take the mobile, keys etc and put it in an envelop and seal it for putting up in the locker. I fear your father must be in temporary lock up. The first thing he must have done is to send his location or inform the area if known. If not done, check with airport police about the location, OR from where he was detained? From there you can trace him to meet up. Air port police might have called the regular police 999, prepared his file and given to him. The regular police could have taken him to their office first, where a duplicate charge sheet would be prepared and his signatures could have been taken and put him in temporary lock up with other people (combined) after keeping his mobile and keys, etc. The next day he must had been taken after being chained and put in another bus to the investigation department.

2. Whatever charges are on him, police must have made a file, got his signatures, put him in temporary lock up with other people, and send his case to the "investigation team" , where he'll be asked questions and given a chance to prove him innocent... if found innocent, they need Saudi Mandoob of his co. or the kafeel to come and take him on "bail" so that he can collect the required documents and bring witnesses to prove that he is innocent.

3. If above is not given and the investigator finds that he is guilty or he accepts that he is guilty then the investigator sends the case to court. Where your father shall be asked to arrange the lawyer. and proper case shall start. If innocent, he'll be freed, if unable to prove being innocent, he'll be punished and fined in such case of credit,

Note: Investigator has the authority to free  you father, so rush for finding his location of lock up, talk to some lawyer if possible. May Allah make it easy for you and your father. However, please don't worry, they are properly fed in the lock up and basic needs are fulfilled.

Thank you so much for the detailed reply and du'as.
I just wanted to know if there is a court procedure, how long would it take to get to know the decision? Because it's been two weeks now since he was detained.
Ameen to your du'as.

Dear,

Sorry to hear. Don't worry.Hope your father will join family soon. My prayers for him.

Regards,
Vishnu

This is looks like fake degree case, which was not closed in Saudi system.  I suggest to approach Indian Embassy to seek assistance and support to get release of your father.

may be the old sponsor submitted a escape report or a complain against your father.
i hope he have a good luck and be free soon  from any obstacles.