Saudi Arabia arrests over 22,000 for residency, labour, and border violations

Dubai: As many as 22,072 people were detained across Saudi Arabia between July 31 and Aug. 6 for violating residency, labor, and border regulations, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The weeklong campaign, carried out jointly by security agencies nationwide, recorded 13,833 violations of residency laws, 4,624 breaches of border security rules, and 3,615 violations of labor regulations.

Authorities also intercepted 1,640 people attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, 35 percent from Yemen, 64 percent from Ethiopia, and 1 percent from other nationalities, and detained 48 individuals for trying to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.

The operations led to the arrest of 37 people accused of transporting, sheltering, employing, or covering up for violators. 

Currently, 23,630 offenders, including 20,601 men and 3,029 women, are undergoing legal procedures.

According to the ministry, 16,162 individuals have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,136 are awaiting travel bookings, and 11,058 have already been deported.

The ministry reiterated that facilitating illegal entry, transportation, shelter, or assistance to violators carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offense, and public naming.

The crime is considered a major offense warranting detention and is classified as dishonorable.

The public is urged to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.