Saudi Arabia Arrests 14,434 Residency And Labor Violators

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) Saudi authorities arrested 14,434 people for violating residency, border security and labor regulations during a week-long nationwide enforcement campaign, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The arrests were made during joint inspection operations conducted with relevant government agencies between August 20 and August 26.

According to the ministry, those detained included 6,976 residency law violators, 4,110 border security violators and 3,348 labor law violators.

Authorities also intercepted 1,450 people who allegedly attempted to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 41 percent were Yemeni nationals, 58 percent were Ethiopian nationals and 1 percent belonged to other nationalities. Another 44 people were detained while allegedly attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.

During the same period, authorities deported 14,905 violators, while 18,914 people were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain the required travel documents. A further 2,867 individuals were transferred to complete arrangements for their departure.

Authorities also arrested 27 people accused of assisting law violators by providing transportation, accommodation or employment.

Meanwhile, 29,938 expatriates, including 27,957 men and 1,981 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce the relevant legal measures, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of people into Saudi Arabia, transports them within the Kingdom, provides accommodation or offers other assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million.

Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to provide them with shelter may also be confiscated under the regulations.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to report suspected violations. Complaints can be submitted by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while 999 and 996 are available in other regions of the Kingdom.