Saudi Arabia: Over 21,000 Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown on Law Violations

In a series of nationwide raids, Saudi authorities apprehended 21,049 individuals in just one week for violations related to residency, work and border security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The official report revealed that 13,209 people were arrested for breaching residency laws, 5,177 were detained for illegal border crossings and 2,663 faced charges related to labour violations.

Among the 1,540 individuals apprehended for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, 56% were Ethiopian, 43% were Yemeni and 1% were from other nationalities.

Additionally, 42 people were arrested for attempting to cross into neighbouring countries and five were detained for their roles in transporting and sheltering violators.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned that those found facilitating illegal entry -- whether through transportation or providing shelter -- could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported to the toll-free number 911 in Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.

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