Saudi Arabia Arrests 17,976 Illegals in a Week
Around 17,976 violators of residency, labour laws, and border security regulations were arrested in various regions of the Kingdom within a week.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the arrests were made during the joint field campaigns carried out by various units of the security forces across the Kingdom during the week from November 23 to 29.
The arrests included 10,881 violators of the residency system, 4,159 violators of the border security rules, and 2,936 violators of the labour laws.
Another 700 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom; 40% were Yemenis, 56% were Ethiopians, and 4% were of other nationalities, with 128 violators being caught trying to cross the border to exit Saudi Arabia.
Seven people who were involved in transporting and harbouring violators of residency and work regulations and practising cover up activities were arrested.
A total of 51,267 violators are currently subjected to procedures for violating regulations, of which 44,922 are men and 6,345 are women.
Of them 45,054 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,070 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 9,343 violators were deported.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of an infiltrator into the Kingdom or gives him transportation or shelter or any assistance or service shall be punished with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and a maximum fine of SR1 million, in addition to the confiscation of the means of transportation and accommodation.
