Saudi security authorities arrested 19,101 illegal residents in a single week during coordinated inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.
The arrests took place between February 12 and 18 as part of joint operations conducted by security forces in collaboration with relevant government agencies. Those detained included 12,153 violators of the Residency Law, 4,103 violators of the Border Security Law and 2,845 violators of the Labour Law.
Authorities have already deported 14,893 illegal residents. In addition, 15,585 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 1,389 were referred to complete their travel reservations.
A total of 21,491 expatriates are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures, including 20,156 men and 1,335 women.
The ministry also reported that 1,663 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Of those, 45 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 54 per cent were Ethiopian nationals and one per cent were of other nationalities. A further 31 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
In addition, 28 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering or employing violators were detained.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry, provides transport or shelter, or offers any assistance to violators may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation and properties used to provide shelter will be confiscated.
The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
