JEDDAH, 14 December 2006 — Security authorities rounded up 1,442 immigrants who were residing in the country illegally in Al-Misfah district of southern Jeddah.
Police said 25 of the detainees are suspected of being involved in various criminal activities, including theft, possession of arms and prostitution. Authorities say they have fingerprint evidence linking some of the suspects to various crimes.
A police source, who did not want to be named, said the area had been monitored for some time before authorities determined the best time to conduct the dragnet led by Jeddah Police Chief Brig. Misfer Al-Zihami, who announced recently that police would be conducting at least one raid a week in areas where authorities receive tips of illegal activities or where they believe undocumented migrants and pilgrimage-visa overstayers are believed to be concentrated.
In Madinah, meanwhile, 250 people were arrested for illegal residency in the holy city’s Al-Atan neighborhood.
Most of the arrested suspects are Asians and some are suspected of having forged official residency documents.
The Madinah raids also netted counterfeit medicines and stolen goods. The raids took place in Madinah’s historic center where many undocumented migrants and overstayers are known to live.
— With input by Yousuf Muhammad
