Saudi authorities arrested 19,024 individuals in a single week for violations related to residency, work, and border security regulations, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Saturday.
The official report stated that 11,268 people were detained for breaching residency laws, 4,773 for attempting illegal border crossings, and 2,983 for labor-related offenses.
Among the 1,212 individuals apprehended for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, 73 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 25 percent were Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
Additionally, 122 individuals were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, while 22 were arrested for their involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its warning that those facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, face severe penalties.
Offenders could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, fined up to SR1 million ($260,000), and have their vehicles and property confiscated.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to enforcing the law and maintaining the security of the Kingdom’s borders and communities.
