12,632 violators of residency, labor laws, other illegals arrested in Saudi Arabia

Not less than 12,632 violators of residency, labor laws and border security regulations have been arrested in Saudi Arabia within a week.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the arrests were made during the joint field campaigns carried out by various units of the security forces across the Kingdom during the week from July, 21 to 27.

“The arrests included 7,401 violators of the residency system, 3,412 violators of the border security rules, and 1,819 violators of the labor laws,” the ministry said.

It added, “Another 233 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, 40% were Yemenis, 49% Ethiopians, and 11% of other nationalities, with 35 violators being caught trying to cross the border to go out of Saudi Arabia.

“Eleven people were involved in transporting and harboring violators of residency and work regulations and practiced cover up activities, were arrested.”

A total of 57,102 violators are currently subjected to the procedures for violating the regulations, of which 53,952 are men and 3,150 are women.

Of them 45,409 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,399 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 11,595 violators were deported.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of an infiltrator into the Kingdom or gives him transportation or shelter or any assistance or service shall be punished with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and a maximum fine of SR1million in addition to the confiscation of the means of transportation and accommodation.