RIYADH: Saudi authorities recorded 19,077 violations of the country’s residency, labor and border security laws in one week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The Ministry of Interior recorded the offenses between Feb. 19-25, including 13,215 related to residency, 3,396 to border security and 2,466 to labor.
A total of 1,615 people were apprehended after trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 34 percent of whom were from Yemen, 64 percent from Ethiopia and 2 percent from other nationalities.
They also arrested 70 people for trying to leave the country illegally.
Authorities also arrested 10 people involved in the illegal transportation, shelter and employment of violators.
A total of 20,712 expatriates including 19,304 men and 1,408 women are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Meanwhile, 14,982 individuals were detained for violating regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents.
In addition, 1,364 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,040 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,700).
Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
