Crackdown on illegals: More than 20,000 arrested in Saudi Arabia for residency violations
Saudi Arabia continues massive operations against illegal residents
Jeddah: More than 20,000 people have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for violating residency law, said the Ministry of Interior
Saudi Arabia has recently launched a massive crackdown on residency visa violators and illegal immigrants.
The recent arrests were part of joint field operations conducted from November 7 to 13 in collaboration with government agencies. Among those detained were 11,607 individuals accused of violating residency laws, 5,285 for breaching border security regulations, and 3,232 for labour law infractions.
The Ministry reported that 1,401 people were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Of those, 39 percent were Yemeni nationals, 60 percent Ethiopian, and 1 percent from other countries. Another 98 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the country unlawfully.
Illegal border crossing
Six individuals accused of facilitating illegal entry or aiding violators through transportation, shelter, or employment were also detained.
Officials said that 21,267 individuals, including 18,508 men and 2,759 women, are currently undergoing legal proceedings, according to reports in Saudi media.
Of these, 13,354 have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,096 are finalizing travel arrangements. So far, 10,458 violators have been deported, the Ministry said.
Facilitators
Authorities warned that those caught facilitating illegal entry or harboring violators could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in such activities.
The Ministry urged citizens and residents to report violations by contacting hotline 911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.