RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia immigration arrests reached 14,260 in one week. Authorities conducted nationwide inspections targeting residency, border-security and labour-law violations.
The Ministry of Interior said Saturday that security forces and government agencies carried out the operations between August 13 and 19.
The detainees included 6,900 people accused of violating residency laws, 3,982 accused of border-security violations and 3,378 accused of labour-law offences.
Authorities also detained 1,524 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The ministry said 63% were Ethiopian nationals, 36% were Yemeni and 1% were from other nationalities.
Another 38 people were caught attempting to leave the kingdom illegally. Meanwhile, 24 were detained for allegedly providing transport, accommodation or employment to violators.
During the same period, authorities referred 18,808 people to diplomatic missions for travel documents. They also directed 5,386 to complete travel bookings and deported 13,724 unlawful residents.
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The ministry said 31,922 expatriates, including 29,961 men and 1,961 women, were undergoing legal enforcement procedures.
Saudi authorities warned that people who facilitate illegal entry, transport or shelter can face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Moreover, vehicles and properties used in such offences may be confiscated.
