Riyadh (TDI): The security agencies and authorities in Saudi Arabia have taken into custody at least 21,971 people in one week for breaching laws related to border security, residency and labour.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between October 10 and October 16 to ensure compliance with the laws applying to immigrants.
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The authorities found 13,186 people non-compliant with the laws of residency, 5,427 of border security, and 3,358 of labour laws across the country, as per an official statement.
The SPA reported that 1,421 individuals were found attempting to illegally cross the border into the KSA.
It said 34 percent of them were Yemenis, 64 percent Ethiopians and 2 percent of other nationalities. Whereas, 53 people were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally, the report added.
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Furthermore, the ministry officials arrested 18 people involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators.
The SPA said that the people detained for violating laws were asked to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation.
While, 2,054 of them were told to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 12,355 were already repatriated.
Total 15,775 immigrants (13,885 men and 1,890 women) “are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations”, the agency said.
The Saudi interior minister has announced that anyone involved in the illegal immigration, of individuals into the Kingdom, may be penalised with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million.
