Saudi Arabia arrested 18,489 individuals for residency and labor violations in a weeklong campaign. This included 10,824 for residency laws, 4,638 for border security, and 3,027 for labor issues. The campaign also targeted culprits aiding violators, with 31 arrests made. Legal proceedings for 25,484 expats are ongoing, with substantial penalties for violators.
Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior declared that a nationwide campaign led to the arrest of 18,489 individuals for committing violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws. This operation took place over one week, from November 28 to December 4, and was executed by security forces in tandem with various government agencies.
The arrests included 10,824 people violating residency laws, 4,638 individuals breaking border security regulations, and 3,027 concerning labor regulations. Additionally, authorities detained 1,125 individuals for attempting illegal entry into Saudi Arabia. Among those apprehended, 42% were identified as Yemeni nationals, 56% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 2% from other nationalities. Furthermore, 57 individuals were caught while trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
In a related crackdown, Saudi authorities have targeted individuals involved in aiding violators, leading to the arrest of 31 individuals charged with transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal residents. As part of legal proceedings, 25,484 expatriates — including 22,604 men and 2,880 women — are currently being processed.
Of the expats, 17,981 have been referred to their diplomatic missions for travel documentation, while 2,427 are in the process of arranging their departure, and 9,529 have already been deported. The ministry issued warnings for those who facilitate illegal activities, stating that offenders could face severe penalties including up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the commission of these crimes.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s recent crackdown on illegal residency, labor, and border violations resulted in the detention of over 18,000 individuals in just one week. The operation focused on both direct violators and those assisting them, with significant numbers of arrests and deportations recorded. Severe penalties await those involved in illegal activities, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws rigorously.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
