RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 10,842 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations.
From April 28 to May 4, a total of 6,916 people were arrested for violations of residency rules, while 2,918 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,008 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that 352 people were arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally.
A further 103 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and nine were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be aiding illegal entry to the Kingdom, including transporting and providing shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), or 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.
