ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have arrested 21,971 individuals in one week for violating residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Interior conducted inspections across Saudi Arabia between October 10 and 16 to enforce these laws. The campaigns identified 13,186 violations of residency regulations, 5,427 of border security, and 3,358 of labor laws.
The report noted that 1,421 people were caught attempting to cross the border illegally into Saudi Arabia, with 34% being Yemeni nationals, 64% Ethiopians, and 2% from other countries. Additionally, 53 individuals were arrested for trying to leave the country illegally.
Authorities also detained 18 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.
The SPA stated that 8,370 of those arrested were directed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation, while 2,054 were instructed to make travel arrangements. So far, 12,355 have been deported.
A total of 15,775 immigrants (13,885 men and 1,890 women) are still undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
The Saudi Interior Ministry warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into the country, provides transportation, shelter, or any other form of assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million. Vehicles and property used in such activities may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such actions are considered serious offenses. It urged citizens to report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the country.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
