Saudi Arabia arrests over 10,700 illegal residents in one week, nearly 8,000 deported

Saudi authorities arrested 10,725 illegal residents during nationwide inspection campaigns carried out between June 4 and June 10, according to the Ministry of Interior.The arrests were made during joint operations conducted by security forces in coordination with relevant government agencies across the Kingdom.Among those detained were 5,899 violators of residency regulations, 3,084 individuals accused of breaching border security laws and 1,742 people found violating labour regulations.The ministry said 7,989 illegal residents were deported during the reporting period. Another 14,268 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 1,240 were referred to complete travel arrangements before departure.Authorities also arrested 1,418 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. According to the ministry, 43 per cent of those detained were Yemeni nationals, 55 per cent were Ethiopian nationals and the remaining two per cent belonged to other nationalities.A further 34 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.The ministry said 18 people were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or employing violators of residency, labour and border regulations.Currently, 22,026 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures linked to enforcement measures, including 20,459 men and 1,567 women.The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into Saudi Arabia, transporting them, providing accommodation or offering assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in such violations may also be confiscated.The ministry urged members of the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.