Saudi authorities arrest 16,161 illegals in one week

Saudi authorities arrested 16,161 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 10,575 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,726 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,860 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 967 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 57 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities. A further 22 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.