Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Around 16,196 violators of residency, labor laws and border security regulations were arrested in various regions of the Kingdom within a week.

According to the Ministry of Interior the arrests were made during the joint field campaigns carried out by various units of the security forces across the Kingdom during the week from Jan 12 to 18.

The arrests included 9,343 violators of the residency system, 4,037 violators of the border security rules, and 2,816 violators of the labor laws.

Another 461 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, 67% were Yemenis, 30% Ethiopians, and 3% of other nationalities, with 42 violators being caught trying to cross the border to exit Saudi Arabia.

Twelve persons, who were involved in transporting and harboring violators of residency and work regulations and practiced cover up activities, were arrested.

A total of 28,773 violators are currently subjected to procedures for violating regulations, of which 26,900 are men and 1,873 are women.

Of them 20,154 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 1,773 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 12,431 violators were deported.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of an infiltrator into the Kingdom or gives him transportation or shelter or any assistance or service shall be punished with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and a maximum fine of SR1 million, in addition to the confiscation of the means of transportation and accommodation.