RIYADH: In one week, 13,511 people were arrested for violating residence and employment laws and border security regulations in different parts of the country. The arrest was made during a joint search conducted by various units of the security forces and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawasat) between June 23 and 29. Those arrested include 8073 residence violators, 3368 border security violators and more than 2070 labor violators. 214 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into the country. Of these, 57 percent are Yemenis, 31 percent are Ethiopians, and 12 percent are from other countries. The security forces also arrested 18 people who gave shelter to the violators.
A total of 68,402 people have been prosecuted. Out of which 64,934 are male and 3,468 are female. 55,740 violators were referred to their diplomatic offices to obtain travel documents and process their air tickets. 12,607 violators were deported. The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned that anyone who violates border security regulations and facilitates or provides travel, asylum or any other assistance to anyone can be jailed for up to 15 years. Their names will be published in the local media and their means of transport and accommodation used for shelter will be confiscated with a fine of up to 10 lakh Riyals. Suspected violations can be reported to the toll-free number 911 in Makkah and Riyadh regions and 999 or 996 in other regions of the country.