Arab News, Sun, Apr 07, 2024 | Ramadan 28, 1445
Kingdom arrests 21,505 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 21,505 people in one week for breaching residency,
work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on
Saturday
According to an official report, a total of 14,323
people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,778 were held
over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,404 for labor-related
issues.
The report showed that among the 1,295 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian,
37 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 61 people were caught trying to cross
into neighboring countries, and nine 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), as well as 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.