Saudi Arabia Detains Over 21,000 Individuals for Residency and Security Violations
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested 21,647 undocumented residents and individuals violating border security laws within a week.
Riyadh: The Saudi government has taken significant action to combat residency, work, and border violations by apprehending a total of 21,647 individuals over the course of one week.
According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday, these arrests were conducted in accordance with national security measures and immigration laws.The Saudi Ministry of Interior detailed that out of the total arrests, 12,838 individuals were detained for violating residency laws.
An additional 4,564 people were arrested for attempting to cross the Kingdom's borders without authorization, while 4,245 arrests were made concerning labor-related infractions.Among those trying to enter the country unlawfully, Ethiopians comprised 54 percent of the 1,943 detainees, followed by Yemeni nationals at 45 percent.
The remaining 1 percent consisted of individuals from other nationalities.Furthermore, the efforts to secure the Kingdom's borders resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals attempting to cross into neighboring countries.
Additionally, 26 people were apprehended for their involvement in facilitating and harboring violators, as per reports from the SPA.The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that providing assistance or resources for those seeking to breach the country’s borders, including transportation and shelter, can lead to severe legal repercussions.
These include a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, fines up to SR1 million (approximately $267,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and assets involved in such activities.Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspected violations through toll-free helplines.
In Makkah and Riyadh regions, individuals can contact 911, while those in other parts of the Kingdom should dial 999 or 996.
According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday, these arrests were conducted in accordance with national security measures and immigration laws.The Saudi Ministry of Interior detailed that out of the total arrests, 12,838 individuals were detained for violating residency laws.
An additional 4,564 people were arrested for attempting to cross the Kingdom's borders without authorization, while 4,245 arrests were made concerning labor-related infractions.Among those trying to enter the country unlawfully, Ethiopians comprised 54 percent of the 1,943 detainees, followed by Yemeni nationals at 45 percent.
The remaining 1 percent consisted of individuals from other nationalities.Furthermore, the efforts to secure the Kingdom's borders resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals attempting to cross into neighboring countries.
Additionally, 26 people were apprehended for their involvement in facilitating and harboring violators, as per reports from the SPA.The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that providing assistance or resources for those seeking to breach the country’s borders, including transportation and shelter, can lead to severe legal repercussions.
These include a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, fines up to SR1 million (approximately $267,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and assets involved in such activities.Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspected violations through toll-free helplines.
In Makkah and Riyadh regions, individuals can contact 911, while those in other parts of the Kingdom should dial 999 or 996.
