Monitoring Desk
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested over 16,000 people in one week for breaching residency, border security, and work regulations, according to an official report.
From January 26 to February 1, a total of 9,343 persons were arrested for violations of residency regulations, while 4,107 were held over attempts of illegal border crossing, and a further 2,838 people were arrested for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 488 persons arrested for trying to illegally enter the Kingdom, 30 percent were Ethiopian, 63 percent were Yemeni, and 7 percent were from other countries.
Saudi authorities’ crackdown
A further 17 people were arrested trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 19 people were held for involvement in harboring and transporting violators.
The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia said that anyone found to be supporting illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing shelter and transporting, could face imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to $260,000 (SR1 million), or confiscation of property and vehicles.
Suspected violations of regulations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Riyadh and Makkah regions and 996 or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
