RIYADH: A total of 16,899 people were arrested in Saudi Arabia due to violations of labour, residence and border laws. They have been arrested from different parts of the country. The arrest happened in a joint operation conducted by the Ministry of Interior and various investigative agencies of Saudi Arabia from December 14 to 20.

11,033 people were arrested for residence violations. 3493 people were arrested for violating the border law and 2373 people were arrested for violating the labor law. About 769 people were caught while entering the country illegally. 39 per cent of those arrested are from Yemen. Statistics from the Ministry of Interior show that 59 per cent are Ethiopians and three per cent are from other countries.

Currently, 53,369 people are facing trial for such violations in the country. 46,431 of them are males and 5,938 are women. In recent years, the Saudi government has taken an iron fist approach against such lawbreakers. The country has also decided to catch expatriates and natives aiding others in violating the rules.