Saudi authorities arrested 7,760 people for violating residency, labor and border regulations during nationwide enforcement operations conducted over the course of one week, according to the Ministry of Interior.The inspections, carried out jointly with several government agencies between May 28 and June 3, targeted individuals accused of violating immigration and labor laws across the kingdom.Official figures showed that 4,060 people were arrested for residency violations, while 2,574 people were accused of violating border security regulations. A further 1,126 individuals were arrested for labor law offences.Security forces also intercepted 1,184 people who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The Ministry of Interior said that Ethiopians constitute 70 percent of those detained at the border, followed by Yemenis at 28 percent, while the remaining 2 percent are of other nationalities.The authorities also arrested 25 people who were allegedly trying to leave the country through illegal routes.As part of ongoing enforcement actions, Saudi officials deported 4,690 people during the reporting period.
14,495 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 850 others were directed to complete travel arrangements before departure.The ministry said that legal measures are currently being taken against 21,774 expatriates, including 20,455 men and 1,319 women.Investigators also arrested 16 people accused of helping violators by providing transportation, accommodation or work.The Ministry of Interior confirmed that facilitating the illegal entry, movement, or shelter of unregistered individuals is a criminal offense. Under Saudi law, violators can face prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the violations.The authorities urged residents to report suspected violations through emergency hotlines operating throughout the Kingdom.
