Arab News,
Sun, Nov 24, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 22, 1446
Saudi Arabia arrests 19,696 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 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 11,336
people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held
over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related
issues.
The report showed that among the 1,547 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian,
32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 71 people were caught trying to cross
into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and
harboring violators.
The 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.