Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Around 16,747 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 April 6 to 12.

The arrests included 9,158 violators of the residency system, 5,235 violators of the border security rules, and 2,354 violators of the labor laws.

Another 1,627 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, 24% were Yemenis, 75% Ethiopians, and 1% of other nationalities, with 59 violators being caught trying to cross the border to exit Saudi Arabia.

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

A total of 18,245 violators are currently subjected to procedures for violating regulations, of which 15,711 are men and 2,534 are women.

Of them 10,489 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 1,812 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 7,162 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.