Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 22,000 for Immigration Violations in One Week

Saudi Arabia’s authorities arrested 22,716 individuals in one week for violating residency, work, and border security regulations, Shiite News reported yesterday citing the Saudi Press Agency.

Of those arrested, 14,446 were detained for residency law violations, 4,780 for illegal border crossings, and 3,490 for labor-related issues. Among the 1,513 people attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, 53% were Ethiopian, 46% Yemeni, and 1% from other nationalities.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone facilitating illegal entry, including providing transportation or shelter, could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and confiscation of vehicles and property.