Arab News, Sunday, Jun 04, 2023 | Thul-Qidah 15, 1444
Saudi Arabia arrests 11,614 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 11,614 people in one week for breaching residency,
work and border security regulations, according to an official report.
From May 25-31, a total of 6,738 people were
arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,618 were held over illegal
border crossing attempts and a further 1,258 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 654 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 41 percent were Yemeni, 55
percent Ethiopian, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 44 people were caught trying to cross
into neighboring countries, and 14 were held for involvement in transporting and
harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone
found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing
transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a
fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), or confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the
toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other
regions of the Kingdom.