Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Authorities have arrested 19 expatriates here for violating the Kingdom's work and residency regulations. The arrests were made during inspection tours launched by the Riyadh labor office affiliated with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

The illegal aliens were found to be self-employed workers in the used furniture business. All those arrested have been handed over to the concerned departments for deportation, the report said.

The inspection campaigns are aimed at ensuring businesses’ compliance with labor regulations including a ban on outdoor work under the sun in summer and laws to employ Saudi nationals, it added.

Forty-three violations have been detected and 29 warnings issued during the field tours, the paper said.

The midday work ban, which covers all private sector companies and establishments, came into force on June 15 and will continue until Sept. 15.

Foreigners make up around 10.5 million of Saudi Arabia’s total population of 34.8 million.