Saudi security agencies stepped up enforcement operations across the country last week, arresting more than 20,000 people for violating residency, labor and border laws, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry on Saturday. The Ministry of Interior said in a statement that a total of 20,237 illegal residents were arrested during joint inspection operations carried out between January 29 and February 4. The operations were coordinated by security forces and relevant government agencies across the country. Of those detained, 12,687 were found to have breached the Residence Act, 4,318 to have breached the Border Security Act and 3,232 to have been charged under the Labor Act. During the same period, 11,656 illegal residents were deported. The authorities also referred 16,805 violators to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 2,437 individuals were directed to complete the travel booking process. The ministry reported that 1,555 people were arrested while trying to enter the kingdom illegally. Among them, 40% are Yemeni nationals, 57% are Ethiopian nationals, and 3% are other nationalities. In addition, 61 people were arrested while trying to leave the kingdom through illegal means. Enforcement efforts also target those who assist offenders. Authorities arrested 32 people accused of providing transportation, housing or employment to illegal residents. Currently, 23,807 foreign nationals, including 21,926 men and 1,881 women, are undergoing legal proceedings as part of measures to enforce existing regulations. The Home Office reiterated its warning that anyone entering the country illegally, transporting offenders, offering asylum or providing any form of assistance will face severe penalties. These include imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines of up to 1 million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or property used for such activities. The public is urged to report violations by dialing 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Governorate region and 999 or 996 in all other regions of the Kingdom
