Kingdom arrests 21,564 illegals in one week

Saudi security forces keep guard in Manfouha, southern Riyadh, in this file photo. (Reuters)
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Updated 01 February 2025
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Kingdom arrests 21,564 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 21,564 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 13,883 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,668 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,013 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,477 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 55 percent were Ethiopian, 41 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years and a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000).

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Two Holy Mosques authority enhances visitor experience with comprehensive services 

Initiatives reflect the Saudi leadership’s commitment to providing exceptional services during Ramadan. (@AlharamainSA_EN)
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Two Holy Mosques authority enhances visitor experience with comprehensive services 

  • Over 9m iftar meals were distributed at the Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque
  • Services provided included multilingual points, mobility assistance for persons with disabilities

MAKKAH: The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques reported visitor service statistics for the first 10 days of Ramadan as part of a system to enhance the worship experience in a safe environment.

The authority reported that Zamzam water consumption reached 15,333 cubic meters, while 586,881 visitors benefited from guidance services through field teams and multilingual points.

A total of 9,581,735 iftar meals were distributed at the two holy mosques, of which over 2.9 million iftar meals were handed out at the Prophet’s Mosque, with the support of more than 12,095 male and female volunteers.

Also at the Prophet’s Mosque, services were provided to over 88,900 beneficiaries through guest service centers.

At the Grand Mosque, 104,159 visitors used Tahallul services, and cart and wheelchair services assisted 332,022 individuals, facilitating mobility for older people and persons with disabilities.

These initiatives reflect the Saudi leadership’s commitment to providing exceptional services and maximizing operational efficiency during Ramadan.

The authority said that the total number of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during the holy month reached 10,789,467 worshippers, who performed daily prayers and Taraweeh.

It also reported that 317,025 worshippers prayed in the Rawdah Sharifah during the same period, while 784,379 visitors offered greetings to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his two companions.

It affirmed that the efficient handling of this volume of visitors was made possible by an integrated operational system that helps organize crowds and facilitate worship, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque during the holy month.