Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts (SPA)
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Updated 19 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 93 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 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, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

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.


Scouts record 45,000 volunteer hours serving pilgrims at Grand Mosque in Ramadan

Updated 05 March 2026
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Scouts record 45,000 volunteer hours serving pilgrims at Grand Mosque in Ramadan

  • Volunteers guide pilgrims, organize prayers areas, distribute water
  • 600 young men and women scouts will work until end of Ramadan

RIYADH: Volunteers participating in the Umrah service camp supervised by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association at the Grand Mosque in Makkah have contributed over 45,000 hours during the first half of Ramadan.

Six-hundred young men and women scouts, representing various teams across the Kingdom, participated in the camp’s activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

They helped to guide pilgrims, organize prayer areas, support security and service personnel, care for children, and provide water and fragrances in the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.

The scouts supported the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques and the public security sectors.

Three-hundred scouts participated in guidance and orientation with 22,500 hours, while 180 scouts assisted with public security services for 13,500 hours.

Sixty scouts who participated in the organization of prayer areas recorded 4,500 volunteer hours.

Additionally, 30 scouts participated in the Little Pilgrim Initiative, which focuses on caring for the children of pilgrims while their parents perform Umrah, contributing 2,250 hours.

In support services, 15 scouts participated in the water distribution initiative, contributing 675 hours.

Another 15 scouts contributed to the fragrance distribution initiative in the corridors and courtyards of the Grand Mosque, achieving 1,125 hours.

Camp leader Ziyad Qadir said the services of the scouts would continue until the end of Ramadan. He said the camps develop a sense of social responsibility and national belonging among young people.