The crackdown, conducted between February 27 and March 5, aimed to strengthen regulatory enforcement across the Kingdom. Picture used for illustrative purpose only.
The crackdown, conducted between February 27 and March 5, aimed to strengthen regulatory enforcement across the Kingdom. Picture used for illustrative purpose only.
Dubai: A total of 20,749 people were arrested in Saudi Arabia during a nationwide inspection campaign targeting violations of residency, labour, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced.
The crackdown, conducted between February 27 and March 5, aimed to strengthen regulatory enforcement across the Kingdom.
Authorities recorded 13,871 violations related to residency, 3,517 involving border security, and 3,361 concerning labor regulations.
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Among those detained, 1,051 individuals were intercepted while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, with 54 per cent identified as Ethiopians, 43 per cent as Yemenis, and 3 per cent from other nationalities. Another 90 people were caught attempting to leave the country unlawfully.
Security forces also arrested 12 individuals accused of facilitating illegal entry, transportation, or employment of violators. Meanwhile, 40,173 expatriates — 35,862 men and 4,311 women — are currently facing legal procedures.
Of those detained, 32,375 have been instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, while 2,576 have been directed to arrange departure bookings. Authorities have also deported 10,024 individuals.
The Ministry of Interior warned that those who assist in illegal entry, transport, or sheltering of violators could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of any vehicles or properties used in the offence.
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