Overview of Recent Arrests
According to the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia, over 21,000 individuals were arrested in a week for violating residency, work, and border security regulations. This crackdown took place from July 25, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
Details of the Violations
Total Violations Uncovered
A total of 21,049 violations were identified in joint security field campaigns across the Kingdom. This includes 13,209 related to residence laws, 5,177 to border security laws, and 2,663 to labor laws.
Arrests Related to Illegal Entry
1,540 individuals were arrested while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 43% were Yemeni, 56% were Ethiopian, and 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 42 individuals were apprehended for trying to cross the border illegally.
Apprehension of Individuals Aiding Violations
Five individuals were arrested for harboring, employing, and transporting violators of residence, labor, and border security laws, and for covering their tracks.
Current Status of Expatriates
Currently, 13,013 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures, including 11,560 men and 1,453 women. Of the violators, 12,943 have been deported, 5,374 were sent to their diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 2,181 were directed to complete their travel bookings.
Legal Consequences for Violators and Helpers
The Ministry of Interior has warned that those who assist or encourage border security violators, whether by transporting them, providing shelter, or offering any form of aid, may face severe penalties, including defamation, fines up to one million riyals, and imprisonment for up to fifteen years.
Public Reporting and Contact Information
The public is urged to report any related incidents by calling 911 in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Related Links
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