29 September :Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has launched a major crackdown on foreigners who enter or reside in the country illegally. During a week-long security campaign from 17 to 23 September, authorities arrested 13,628 people and advanced deportation procedures for large numbers of foreign nationals found to have violated immigration and residency laws.
According to Gulf News, the largest group among those arrested—6,593 people—were detained for violating residency regulations. Another 3,531 were arrested for alleged violations of border security laws, while 3,504 were detained for labour-law violations.
A further 1,199 people were arrested while allegedly attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally across the border. A significant proportion of them were Ethiopian and Yemeni nationals. Meanwhile, 27 people were arrested while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia through illegal routes.
Saudi authorities said measures had been taken to speed up the process of returning those detained to their countries of origin. More than 18,000 people have already been referred to their respective diplomatic missions, where arrangements are being made to obtain travel permits and other necessary documents.
More than 31,000 foreign nationals are currently undergoing legal procedures, according to the authorities.
Saudi authorities are also taking action against local residents accused of assisting illegal migrants. Twenty-two Saudi nationals were arrested for allegedly helping migrants with transportation, concealing them or providing shelter.
The Ministry of Interior has warned that providing accommodation or transportation to people who enter the country illegally, or helping them hide, constitutes a serious offence. Such violations can carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals. Vehicles and property used in committing such offences may also be confiscated.
The Saudi authorities have urged members of the public to promptly notify the police if they become aware of any incidents involving illegal immigration.
Source: Gulf News and Saudi Ministry of Interior