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RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested 14,165 violators of residency, border security and labor laws in a week, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.
The arrests were made during joint inspections conducted by security forces in coordination with relevant government agencies between August 27 and September 2.
Of those arrested, 7,121 were found to have violated the Residency Law, 3,636 the Border Security Law and 3,408 the Labor Law.
Authorities deported 12,363 illegal residents during the period. Another 18,937 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,240 were referred to complete their travel arrangements.
A total of 1,315 people were arrested while attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of them, 58% were Ethiopian nationals, 41% were Yemenis and 1% were from other nationalities.
Authorities also arrested 42 people while they were attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Meanwhile, 21 people were arrested for providing transportation, shelter or employment to law violators.
The ministry said 29,773 expatriates — including 27,845 men and 1,928 women — are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures against them.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of people into Saudi Arabia, transports or shelters them, or provides them with other assistance or services could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million.
Vehicles used for transportation and houses used to shelter violators may also be confiscated.
The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
