RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Within a week from May 04 to 10, 2023, the Saudi authorities arrested 11,549 people over violation of regulations related to residency, work and border security.
In a report on Saturday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior said that during the said week, a total of 6,344 people were arrested for violating residency laws and 3,741 for illegally crossing the border while further 1,464 people were held for labour-related issues.
The ministry said that among the 627 people arrested for trying to enter the Saudi Arabia iillegally, 48 percent were Yemeni, and 46 percent Ethiopian whereas 6 percent were of other nationalities.
خلال أسبوع.. ضبط 11549 مخالفًا لأنظمة الإقامة والعمل وأمن الحدود.
#وطن_بلا_مخالف pic.twitter.com/LuZAveTO94
— وزارة الداخلية (@MOISaudiArabia) May 13, 2023
Likewise, a further 87 people were caught trying to cross into neighbouring Countries, and 17 were held for involvement in transporting and harbouring violators.
The Saudi interior ministry 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 (US$ 260,000), or confiscation of vehicles and property.
