Saudi Arabia arrests more than 20,000 law violators in nationwide campaign in a week
1,737 held for attempting to illegally enter Kingdom, primarily from Yemen and Ethiopia
Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has carried out nationwide inspection campaigns to detain residency, labour and border security laws violators.
During the week-long campaign from July 4, a total of 20,093 law violators were arrested, including 12,460 violators of residency laws, 5,400 for border security breaches, and 2,233 for labor law infractions.
Authorities apprehended 1,737 individuals attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, primarily from Yemen and Ethiopia, and arrested 49 people trying to exit illegally.
Additionally, 16 people were detained for helping these violators by providing transport, shelter or employment.
Currently, 19,841 expatriates are undergoing legal proceedings. Of those, 9,438 have been directed to secure proper travel documents from their embassies, 3,833 have been instructed to arrange their departure, and 11,655 have already been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone involved in facilitating illegal entry, transportation or sheltering of individuals will face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of any property used in these activities.