RIYADH — Saudi security forces arrested a total of 13,822 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in joint inspections, carried out in cooperation with the relevant government agencies, during the period between October 8 and 14, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 6,547 violators of the Residency Law, 3,896 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,379 violators of the Labor Law. The total number of people who were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom accounted for 2,021. About 28 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.A total of 9,454 illegal residents were deported while 20,190 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 6,509 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations. Twenty four persons, who were involved in giving transportation, shelter, and employment for violators, were also arrested. A total of 34,834 expatriates, including 32,433 men and 2,401 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures for their violations. The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person, who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them with shelter or any other assistance or service, will be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, and that the vehicles used for transportation or houses used for giving shelter will be confiscated. The ministry urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
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