Arab News, Sun, Apr 28, 2024 | Shawwal 19, 1445
Saudi authorities arrest 19,050 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 19,050 people in one week for breaching residency,
work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on
Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,987
people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,367 were held
over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,696 for labor-related
issues.
The report showed that among the 1,011 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian,
36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 24 people were caught trying to cross
into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and
harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone
found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing
transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a
fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and
property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the
toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other
regions of the Kingdom.