Saudi Arabia arrests 22,716 illegals in one week

The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years. (File/SPA)
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  • The report showed that among the 1,513 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,716 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 14,446 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,780 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,490 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,513 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 46 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

The Ministry of Interior 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 ($260,000), as well as 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.