Saudi Arabia has detained 16,565 individuals from various regions in a comprehensive crackdown on residency, work, and border security violators. The arrests were made during joint field campaigns from June 27 to July 3, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Among those arrested, 9,969 were found violating residency laws, 4,676 breached border security regulations, and 1,920 broke labor laws. Additionally, 1,244 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border illegally, with 37% being Yemenis, 60% Ethiopians, and the remaining 3% from other nationalities.
Authorities also arrested 63 individuals for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally and detained three people for transporting, sheltering, and employing violators.
Currently, 20,780 expatriates (19,396 men and 1,384 women) are undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that those who facilitate illegal entry, transportation, or sheltering of violators face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SAR 1 million. Additionally, vehicles and houses used in these activities may be confiscated.