Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Oct 19: Saudi Arabia has arrested 13,822 people for violating residency, border security and labour regulations during a week-long nationwide inspection drive, the Ministry of Interior said.

The arrests were made between October 8 and 14 during joint operations conducted in coordination with relevant government agencies, the ministry said on Saturday.

Of those detained, 6,547 were accused of violating residency regulations, 3,896 of breaching border security laws and 3,379 of violating labour regulations.

Authorities also detained 2,021 people who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia illegally across its borders. Another 28 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

During the same period, 9,454 people were deported. A further 20,190 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 6,509 were sent to complete arrangements for their departure.

Security forces also arrested 24 people accused of facilitating violations by providing transport, accommodation or employment to those involved.

The ministry said legal procedures were being processed against 34,834 expatriates for various violations. The group comprises 32,433 men and 2,401 women.

Authorities warned that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators, providing them with accommodation or offering other assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million.

Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them may also be confiscated, the ministry warned.