Police arrested 700 illegal workers in a pre-dawn raid which lasted for 24 hours from Monday.

According to an official from the police forces, the operations covered the Al-Rayyan, Amal and Thuleim districts in the central part of the capital. Those arrested were mostly Yemeni and Pakistani nationals, according to the official.

During the operation, police captured 16 wanted criminals who were evading arrest for various crimes.

During the raid, the police found a warehouse where workers hid expired foodstuffs which they sold outside mosques and on street side lanes. These hidden groceries and foodstuffs are sold to unlicensed restaurants in the city, the police officer said.

Police cordoned off the area where the operations were taking place prior to the raids to facilitate inspection and corner suspects who attempt to run away from the site.

Last week, police arrested 2,360 illegal workers during a four-day raid. Those arrested in the Hai Al-Wazarah area were mainly Asians from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lankan.

The police also raided several shops and restaurants where Egyptian, Indian, Sudanese and Pakistani workers were also apprehended.

The operations were carried out upon directives issued by Riyadh Governor Prince Khalid bin Bandar and Deputy Riyadh Governor Prince Turki bin Abdullah.

The crackdown was directly supervised by Maj. Gen. Saud Al-Hilal, chief of the Riyadh Police, along with its assistant director, Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Sudais, and Col. Eid Al-Otaibi.

Police have warned members of the public to obey local regulations and urged citizens and residents to notify authorities of illegal activity.