Saudi Arabia Warns Against Illegal Immigration as 14,434 Arrested in One Week

Saudi authorities have arrested 14,434 people in one week for alleged violations of residency, labor and border security laws, the Saudi Ministry of Interior said.

Of those arrested, 6,976 were detained for violating residency laws, 4,110 for attempting to cross the country’s borders illegally, and 3,348 for labor law violations.

Among those detained, 1,450 were arrested while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of them, 58 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 41 percent were from Yemen and the remaining 1 percent were from other countries. Another 44 people were arrested while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally for neighboring countries.

Authorities also arrested 27 people accused of helping violators by providing transportation or shelter or facilitating their illegal entry into the country.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who assists illegal migrants in entering Saudi Arabia, transports them or provides them with shelter could face up to 15 years in prison. Offenders may also be fined up to 1 million Saudi riyals, equivalent to around $267,000, while vehicles and property used in the offenses may be confiscated.

Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the country.

The latest arrests are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strictly enforce its residency, labor and border security laws.