RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 individuals over the past week for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the report, 7,127 individuals were detained for residency law violations, 3,441 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,561 for labor-related offenses.
Among those arrested for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 34 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining 3 percent were of other nationalities. Additionally, 90 individuals were caught trying to exit the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities also arrested 18 people accused of facilitating illegal entry, including those involved in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom—such as by providing transportation or shelter could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offenses.
The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions or 999 and 996 in other parts of the country.
