Saudi authorities arrested 16,301 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, according to an official report.
A total of 9,274 people were arrested for violations of residency rules, while 4,395 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,632 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that 532 people were arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally. A further 95 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries.
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.