Arab News, Sun, Jun 02, 2024 | Dhu al-Qadah 25, 1445
Saudi authorities arrest 16,161 illegals in one week
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi authorities arrested 16,161 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 10,575
people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,726 were held
over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,860 for labor-related
issues.
The report showed that among the 967 people
arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 57 percent were Ethiopian,
39 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities. A further 22
people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to
be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom 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.