Massive crackdown: Saudi Arabia arrests more than 15,000 residency, labor and border violators in week | World News
According to the Saudi Gazette, the Interior Ministry said that Saudi authorities arrested 15,288 people for violating residency, labor and border security regulations during a nationwide inspection operation conducted between June 11 and 17.The arrests were made through a joint field operation involving security agencies and other government authorities from across the Kingdom.According to the ministry, 7,864 people were detained for violating residency regulations, 4,576 for border security violations and 2,848 for violating labor laws.During the reporting period, security forces also intercepted 1,668 people trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The ministry said that of those arrested at the border, 53% were Ethiopian nationals, 46% were Yemeni nationals and the remaining 1% were of other nationalities.Authorities also arrested 54 people trying to leave the kingdom illegally.The ministry said enforcement measures against violators were continuing. A total of 23,587 foreigners are currently undergoing legal proceedings, including 21,758 men and 1,829 women.During the same period, Saudi authorities deported 10,458 offenders, while a further 15,109 people were referred to its diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. A further 1,979 people were referred to complete travel arrangements before departure.Officials also arrested 24 people accused of facilitating violations by providing transportation, housing or employment opportunities to illegal residents.The Home Ministry reiterated that anyone found to be assisting illegal immigrants or offenders by transporting, harboring or employing them may face severe penalties.Under Saudi law, offenders can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to 1 million Saudi riyals. Vehicles and property used to facilitate such crimes may also be seized.The ministry urged residents to report violations by calling the emergency number 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 996 in other parts of the kingdom.
