Saudi authorities arrested 10,725 illegal residents during nationwide inspection campaigns carried out between June 4 and 10, according to the Ministry of Interior.The arrests came during joint operations carried out by the security forces in coordination with relevant government agencies throughout the Kingdom.Among those detained are 5,899 violators of residency regulations, 3,084 people accused of violating border security laws, and 1,742 people who violated labor regulations.The ministry said that 7,989 illegal residents were deported during the reporting period. Also, 14,268 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 1,240 violators were referred to complete travel arrangements before departure.The authorities also arrested 1,418 people who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. According to the ministry, 43 percent of the detainees are Yemeni citizens, 55 percent are Ethiopian citizens, and the remaining 2 percent belong to other nationalities.Another 34 people were arrested while trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.The ministry said that 18 people were arrested for allegedly transporting, harboring, or employing violators of residency, work, and border regulations.
22,026 expatriates are currently subject to legal proceedings related to enforcement measures, including 20,459 men and 1,567 women.The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into Saudi Arabia, transports them, provides accommodation or provides assistance may face a prison sentence of up to 15 years and fines of up to one million Saudi riyals. Vehicles and property used in such violations may also be confiscated.The Ministry urged community members to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
