Saudi Arabia deported 10,431 residents for violating immigration regulations and arrested 13,889 people during a week-long nationwide crackdown on residency, labour and border security offences, the Ministry of Interior announced, Gulf News reported.

The arrests were made during joint inspection campaigns conducted with other government agencies between October 1 and 7, according to figures the ministry released on Saturday.

Of those arrested, 6,785 were accused of violating residency regulations, 3,710 of breaching border security laws and 3,394 of labour law violations.

The ministry also reported the arrest of 1,382 people trying to enter the kingdom illegally across its borders. Of them, 66 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, 33 per cent were Yemenis and the remaining one per cent were of other nationalities. Another 34 people were arrested while trying to leave the kingdom illegally.

A total of 33,113 expatriates, including 30,438 men and 2,675 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce immigration and residency regulations, the ministry said.

Among them, 18,947 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 4,596 were referred to complete travel arrangements ahead of departure. The ministry confirmed that 10,431 residents had been deported.

Authorities also arrested 21 people accused of providing transport, accommodation, or employment to those violating residency, labour and border security rules.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry, transports undocumented entrants within the country, provides them with shelter or offers other forms of assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used to transport offenders and properties used to house them may also be confiscated.

The ministry urged residents to report suspected violations by calling the emergency number 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

Source: Gulf News