Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The number of illegal residents detained during the past five days reached more than 40,000 and they included about 1,000 women, Al-Watan newspaper reported.

Deputy Emir of Riyadh Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulrahman said the security authorities had launched an all-out campaign to flush out all violators of residency and labor regulations from the country.

“We will not be lenient on anyone and we will not have any exceptions. The security authorities are putting strenuous efforts to arrest illegal residents in all parts of the Kingdom. I give my thanks and appreciation to the police officers in the field working hard to ensure our safety,” said the prince.

He has said the laws are clear and citizens who aid, shelter or transport illegal expatriates in any way are subject to strict punishment. A security source said 98 percent of the detainees were from Yemen and Ethiopia. He said 4,000 people were arrested in Riyadh alone, including 2,700 in the eastern districts of the city.

The officers also seized alcohol, drugs, stolen goods, banned items and forged documents during the operation.