Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi security forces have arrested a total of 11,657 illegal residents during the last week. The arrests were made during the joint inspections, carried out by the security forces in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between May 29 and June 4, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

Those who were arrested included 6,981 violators of the Residency Law, 3,190 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,486 violators of the Labor Law.

The ministry said that a total of 9,215 violators were deported while 12,122 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 1,435 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations.

A total of 17,018 illegal residents, including 15,991 men and 1,027 women, are currently undergoing various phases of legal procedures as part of punitive measures against them.

The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person, who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them with shelter or any other assistance or service may be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, and that the vehicles used for transportation or houses used for giving shelter will be confiscated.

The ministry urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.