RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,836 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 11,710 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,239 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,887 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,741 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 46 people were caught attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and 19 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, according to SPA.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
The authorities also highlighted that suspected violations can be reported via the toll-free numbers 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
