Saudi authorities arrested 18,836 people during a single week for violations of residency, labor and border security regulations, according to a report issued by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
The figures showed that 11,710 individuals were detained for breaching residency laws, while 4,239 were arrested for attempting illegal border crossings. An additional 2,887 people were held for labor-related violations.
SPA reported that 1,741 of those arrested were caught while trying to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of this number, 60 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 39 percent were Yemeni, and 1 percent belonged to other nationalities.
The report also stated that 46 people were apprehended while attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and 19 individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting and sheltering violators.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, including providing transport or accommodation, carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($267,000) and the confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offenses.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions and 999 or 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.