Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported over 18,000 arrests for residency, labor, and border violations during a weeklong crackdown. This operation involved a collaborative effort from various security agencies and yielded significant detentions, including individuals attempting illegal entry. The ministry warns of severe penalties for violators and those who aid them, underscoring the government’s stringent stance on illegal activities.
In a comprehensive operation, Saudi authorities have detained 18,489 individuals for contravening residency, labor, and border security laws over a one-week period, as reported by the Ministry of Interior. This initiative, conducted from November 28 to December 4, involved collaboration between security forces and various government agencies.
Among those arrested, there were 10,824 individuals breaching residency laws, 4,638 offenders related to border security, and 3,027 people violating labor regulations. Additionally, 1,125 individuals were apprehended while attempting to unlawfully enter Saudi Arabia, with a significant proportion of these detainees being Yemeni (42%) and Ethiopian (56%) nationals, while individuals from other nationalities comprised the remaining two percent. Furthermore, 57 individuals attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully were also detained.
Saudi authorities are intensifying their crackdown aimed at individuals who support or facilitate these violations, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal residents. The Ministry disclosed that 25,484 expatriates—consisting of 22,604 men and 2,880 women—are currently undergoing legal proceedings.
Of the detainees, 17,981 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions for documentation, while 2,427 are in the process of arranging their departure. Notably, 9,529 individuals have already been deported. The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning to those who engage in facilitating illegal activities, highlighting that violators risk severe penalties including imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines reaching SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties involved in these offenses.
The recent crackdown by Saudi authorities illustrates a significant enforcement effort against residency, labor, and border violations, resulting in the detention of over 18,000 individuals within a single week. The government emphasizes its commitment to strict monitoring and legal proceedings against violators and those who assist them, reinforcing the consequences of illegal residency and labor practices in the Kingdom.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
