RIYADH: Saudi authorities have arrested a total of 18,538 persons within a week for various violations, including breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency released on Saturday.
The official report detailed that 11,047 people were apprehended for residency law violations, 4,299 for attempting illegal border crossings, and an additional 3,192 for labor-related offenses.
Among those attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, 40 percent were Yemeni nationals, 59 percent were Ethiopian, and 1 percent belonged to other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 55 people attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and six persons were held for their involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
Saudi Authorities Transferred 47,977 Offenders to Diplomatic Missions
To date, authorities have transferred 47,977 offenders to their respective diplomatic missions for the issuance of travel documents. Additionally, 1,892 persons were transferred to complete travel reservations, while 9,927 were deported.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior emphasized stringent penalties for those found facilitating illegal entry, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.
The ministry encourages citizens and residents to report suspected violations through toll-free hotlines, with 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
