Massive crackdown: Saudi Arabia arrests more than 15,000 residency, labour and border violators in one week | World News

Saudi authorities arrested 15,288 people for violations of residency, labour and border security regulations during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted between June 11 and June 17, the Ministry of Interior said, as reported by Saudi Gazette.The arrests were carried out through joint field operations involving security agencies and other government authorities across the Kingdom.According to the ministry, 7,864 people were detained for violating residency regulations, while 4,576 were arrested for border security offences and another 2,848 for labour law violations.Security forces also intercepted 1,668 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally during the reporting period. The ministry said 53 per cent of those arrested at the border were Ethiopian nationals, 46 per cent were Yemeni nationals and the remaining one per cent belonged to other nationalities.Authorities further arrested 54 people who were attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.The ministry said enforcement measures against violators remain ongoing. A total of 23,587 expatriates, including 21,758 men and 1,829 women, are currently undergoing legal procedures.During the same period, Saudi authorities deported 10,458 violators, while 15,109 people were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 1,979 individuals were referred to complete travel arrangements ahead of their departure.Officials also arrested 24 people accused of facilitating violations by providing transportation, shelter or employment to individuals staying in the Kingdom illegally.The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone found assisting illegal entrants or violators by transporting, harbouring or employing them could face severe penalties.Under Saudi law, offenders may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined as much as SR1 million. Vehicles and properties used to facilitate such offences may also be confiscated.The ministry urged residents to report violations through the emergency number 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or by calling 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.