Saudi Arabia arrests 20,000 expatriates in a week

Last Updated on December 24, 2024 6:01 am

20,000 expatriates have been arrested in Saudi Arabia in a week. Police have taken action against illegal expatriates for violating residence, labor and border security laws.

They were arrested in a nationwide operation from December 12 to 18. Of the arrested expatriates, 11,302 were charged with residence, 5,652 with border security and 3,205 with labor laws. Arab News reported.

In addition, 1,861 people were arrested while trying to cross the Saudi border. Of these, 33 percent are Yemenis, 65 percent are Ethiopians and two percent are citizens of other countries.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Interior said that 17 people living in Saudi Arabia were also arrested for transporting and sheltering those who violated residence and work regulations. Legal action is currently underway against 29,540 expatriates in the country.

The ministry said in a statement that steps to repatriate the arrested are in progress. Of the arrested expatriates, 20,337 have been sent to their respective diplomatic missions to collect necessary travel documents before being sent back home.

At the same time, 9,461 of the arrested have already been repatriated from Saudi Arabia to their respective countries. In addition, preparations are underway to repatriate another 3,425.

There is a provision for 15 years in prison and a fine of 1 million Saudi riyals for anyone who tries to help someone enter the Middle Eastern country illegally. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has repeatedly warned about this.