RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has taken strict action against those who violate the laws of employment, residence and border security. The Saudi Ministry of Interior is continuing its investigation against those who violate the rules. In the last week, 9,461 illegal expatriates were deported.
About 20,159 violators were arrested from the 12th to the 18th of this month. They were caught from different parts of the country in a joint check conducted by various units of the security forces and the General Directorate of Passports. Out of this, 11,302 people violated the residence rules by not renewing their Residence Permit (Iqama). 5,652 people violated border security. 3,205 people are labour law violators.
1,861 people were arrested while trying to cross the border illegally into the country. 65 percent of them are Ethiopian citizens. 33 percent are Yemenis and two percent are from other countries. 112 people were arrested while trying to leave the country illegally. Another 17 people were arrested for providing various assistance to violators of residence, employment and border security laws. Currently, 29,030 people are facing legal proceedings. Out of this, 2,619 are women. Of the apprehended foreigners, 20,337 were referred to their respective countries' diplomatic offices to obtain their travel documents.