RIYADH— Saudi authorities arrested 14,260 people between August 13 and 19 for alleged violations of residency, border security and labour laws, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA), as cited by Gulf News.
Authorities intensify crackdown on illegal immigration
Of those arrested, 6,900 were accused of violating residency regulations, 3,982 of breaching border security rules and 3,378 of violating labour laws.
During the same period, another 1,524 people were arrested for allegedly entering Saudi Arabia illegally by crossing the border. Ethiopians accounted for 63% of those arrested, Yemenis 36%, while nationals of other countries made up the remaining 1%.
The Saudi Interior Ministry said its campaign against illegal immigration began at the start of August. Since then, authorities have arrested 31,922 people. Of them, 13,724 have been deported to their home countries, while 18,808 have been handed over to their respective embassies.
The overall number of those arrested includes 29,961 men and 1,961 women.
According to SPA, Saudi citizens found guilty of providing illegal immigrants with shelter, transportation or employment could face up to 15 years in prison under the country’s laws.
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