1,704 illegals held in EP

A total of 1,704 illegal workers were arrested in the Eastern Province during the past week, according to an official from the police force in the region.
Those arrested were from various nationalities and will be subject to official inquiry prior to their deportation.
The official from the police department said that combing operations to apprehend the illegal workers were carried out in all parts of the Eastern Province during the week.
Those arrested did not have valid residency certificates, and some of them were found working for sponsors other than those they were permitted to work for.
Law enforcement authorities conduct regular inspections to apprehend illegal workers in order to curb crimes such as thefts, sorcery and brewing liquor.
According to the official, the majority of crimes in the Kingdom are committed by illegal residents who have overstayed their visas. As a result, the government has intensified its campaign against such residents.
During an amnesty offered by the late King Abdullah, illegal residents were allowed to leave the Kingdom without any penalties during the grace period.
The Ministry of Interior had earlier advised all illegal expatriates in the Kingdom to correct their work and residency statuses following the end of the amnesty period on Nov. 1, 2013, or leave the country.