Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 14,000 migrants in a week for allegedly violating the country’s residency, labor and border security laws, according to the Saudi Interior Ministry.
A total of 14,165 migrants were arrested during joint security operations conducted across the country between August 27 and September 2, the ministry said in a statement cited by Gulf News on Sunday.
Of those arrested, 7,121 were accused of violating residency regulations, 3,636 of breaching border security laws, and 3,408 of violating labor regulations.
Authorities also said 12,363 migrants were deported to their respective countries during the same period. Meanwhile, 18,937 people were instructed to contact their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while another 3,240 were directed to arrange travel tickets.
Border arrests
Saudi security forces separately arrested 1,315 people while they were allegedly attempting to enter the country illegally. Among them, 58 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 41 percent were Yemeni nationals, and 1 percent were from other countries.
Another 42 people were arrested for allegedly attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Authorities also detained 21 Saudi residents for allegedly transporting or providing shelter to people violating residency and labor regulations.
According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 29,773 expatriates are currently undergoing legal procedures over alleged immigration and labor violations. The group includes 27,845 men and 1,928 women.
Saudi authorities have repeatedly warned against facilitating illegal entry into the kingdom. Those convicted of attempting to assist illegal entry can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals.
Saudi Arabia, home to around 34.8 million people, employs millions of migrant workers from countries around the world.
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