RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 16,606 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, according to an official report.
From Sept. 8 to 14, a total of 9,895 people were arrested for violations of residency rules, while 4,422 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,289 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 362 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally.
A further 19 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be aiding illegal entry to the Kingdom, including transporting and providing shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), or confiscation of vehicles and property.