Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants at Borders, Saudi Police Arrest 22,663 in One Week

Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants at Borders, Saudi Police Arrest 22,663 in One Week

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 15: Saudi authorities have arrested 22,663 individuals in one week for violating residency, employment, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to the report, 13,799 people were arrested for violating residency laws, 5,594 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 3,270 for labor-related offenses.

The report also mentioned that 2,133 people were arrested for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, with 63% being Ethiopian, 36% Yemeni, and 1% from other nationalities.

Additionally, 184 individuals were arrested for attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and 14 were arrested for involvement in transporting and sheltering violators.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that those who assist illegal entry into the Kingdom could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR 1 million (approximately $260,000).

People are encouraged to report suspected violations to the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions.