Arab News
Arab news, Sun, Aug 17, 2025 | Safar 23, 1447
Saudi Arabia arrests 21,997 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 21,997 people in one
week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi
Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 13,434 people were arrested for
violations of residency laws, while 4,697 were held over illegal border crossing
attempts, and a further 3,866 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,787 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 64 percent were Ethiopian,
35 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 27 people were caught trying to cross
into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and
harboring violators, the SPA reported.
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 ($267,000), 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.