JEDDAH, 14 June 2005 — Over 2,700 overstayers were apprehended in security raids in the Al-Sabeel, Al-Hindawiyah and Al-Buhariya districts of Jeddah yesterday.
The raids which targeted areas with high crime rates and a large expatriate population lasted from 10:30 p.m. Sunday until early yesterday morning.
According to security officials, 42 individuals suspected of involvement in various crimes were arrested. Most of the overstayers were from African and Arab countries, said an official. As a result of the raid, 45 illegal clothing factories, a number of houses of prostitution and factories producing alcoholic drinks were closed.
Thousands of people apprehended in similar raids over the last few months have been deported and many more are awaiting deportation.
The security crackdowns have been welcomed by both Saudis and expatriates who feel that they have been instrumental in reducing crime throughout the country.
