Saudi Arabia: Over 15,400 residency, labour and border violators arrested in one week
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Saudi authorities arrested 15,430 people in one week for violating residency, labour and border security regulations, the Ministry of Interior said.
The arrests were made during joint security campaigns carried out across the Kingdom between July 2 and 8.
Of those detained, 7,913 were accused of violating residency rules, 4,037 were held over border security violations and 3,480 were arrested for labour law breaches.
Authorities also arrested 1,542 people while they were attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The ministry said 53 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, 46 per cent were Yemeni nationals and 1 per cent were from other countries.
Another 30 people were caught while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The ministry said 27 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, employing or otherwise assisting violators.
A total of 29,286 violators are currently undergoing legal procedures, including 27,127 men and 2,159 women.
The ministry said 17,353 people have been referred to obtain travel documents, 5,438 have been referred to complete travel arrangements and 11,800 have been deported.
Authorities warned that helping border security violators enter Saudi Arabia, transporting them, sheltering them or providing any form of support is a major crime.
Penalties include up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offence.