RIYADH: A total of 25,533 people were arrested between Sept. 11 and 17 for violating residency, labor and border security laws, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
This included 1,391 people who were apprehended while trying to cross into Saudi Arabia, with 31 arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The Ministry of Interior recorded a total of 21,638 violations over the course of the week, including 12,958 related to residency laws, 4,540 to border security regulations and 4,140 to labor laws.
Statistics published by the SPA stated that 54 percent of those attempting to cross the border illegally were Yemeni nationals, while 45 percent were from Ethiopia and 1 percent from other countries. Nineteen people involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators were arrested.
The SPA reported that 32,149 expatriates — 29,265 men and 2,884 women — are currently the subject of legal procedures. Those arrested were instructed to contact the relevant embassies or consulates to obtain the proper travel documents.
In addition, 1,610 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,375 were repatriated.
The ministry stressed that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or any other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
