Saudi Arrests 13,308 Illegals in a Week
Around 13,308 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 July 20 to 26.
The arrests included 7,725 violators of the residency system, 3,427 violators of the border security rules, and 2,156 violators of the labour laws. Another 572 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, 62% were Yemenis, 37% Ethiopians, and 1% of other nationalities, with 58 violators being caught trying to cross the border to exit Saudi Arabia.
Nine persons, who were involved in transporting and harbouring violators of residency and work regulations and practised cover-up activities, were arrested. A total of 36,953 violators are currently subjected to procedures for violating regulations, of which 30,660 are men and 6,293 are women.
Of them 30,701 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,155 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 10,205 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.
