Saudi Arabia arrests over 14,000 residency, border and labour violators in nationwide crackdown in one week

Dubai: Saudi security authorities arrested 14,260 people for residency, border security and labour violations during nationwide inspections in a single week, the Ministry of Interior said.

The arrests were made during joint campaigns carried out by security forces and government agencies between August 13 and 19.

Of those detained, 6,900 were cited for residency violations, 3,982 for breaches of border security regulations and 3,378 for labour law violations.

Authorities also arrested 1,524 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Ethiopians accounted for 63 per cent of those detained at the border, Yemenis 36 per cent and other nationalities 1 per cent.

Another 38 people were arrested while attempting to leave the kingdom illegally, while 24 were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or employing violators.

The ministry said 13,724 people had been deported, while 18,808 were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 5,386 were completing travel arrangements.

A total of 31,922 expatriates, 29,961 men and 1,961 women, were undergoing procedures linked to enforcement measures.

The ministry warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, transports or shelters violators, or provides them with 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 shelter them may also be confiscated. Authorities urged the public to report violations through the designated security hotlines.