Saudi arrests 7,760 illegal migrants in one week

Saudi authorities have arrested 7,760 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations.

A total of 4,060 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 2,574 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,126 for labour-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,184 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 70% were Ethiopian, 28% Yemeni, and 2% were of other nationalities.

A further 25 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 16 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

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 ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.