9,862 illegal workers arrested

RIYADH: The country’s security agencies have arrested 9,862 people over the past six month in Al-Jouf for violating the country’s residency and labor regulations.
Maj. Yazeed bin Saud Al-Nomas, assistant media spokesman for the police in the region, said the security officials assisted the Labor Ministry. He said more raids would be conducted and warned that those sheltering violators face severe penalties.
He said the previous raids had involved blocking off certain areas so that illegal workers could not get away. Those arrested included workers from several counties, who are now being kept in detention centers to face legal action and deportation.
The security authorities conduct regular inspections to apprehend illegal workers to curb crimes such as theft, sorcery, and brewing liquor. According to the police, most crimes in the Kingdom are committed by illegal residents who have overstayed their visas.
The Ministry of Interior had earlier advised all illegal expatriates in the Kingdom to correct their work and residency status following the end of the amnesty period on Nov. 1, 2013 or leave the country.
Following the end of the amnesty, the authorities began to crack down on the many foreign workers who had violated their visa terms with surprise inspections on streets and in company offices.