Kingdom arrests 17,616 illegals in one week

Saudi authorities arrested 17,616 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 11,022 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,216 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 4,216 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 883 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 58 percent were Ethiopian, 41 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 68 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 15 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, 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.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.