Saudi Arabia arrests over 21,000 illegal residents in major crackdown

Saudi Arabia's security forces have arrested 21,971 illegal residents across the Kingdom as part of a major crackdown conducted over a week, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The arrests, made between October 10 and 16, were the result of joint field security operations in coordination with various government agencies. The crackdown targeted violators of residency, labour, and border security laws.

Among those detained, 13,186 individuals were found to have violated residency laws, 5,427 breached border security laws, and 3,358 were arrested for breaking labour laws.

Authorities also detained 1,421 people attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia, with most apprehended individuals hailing from Ethiopia and Yemen.

Additionally, 53 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. Authorities have also arrested 18 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing illegal residents.

The Ministry stated that 15,775 expatriate, 13,885 men and 1,890 women are currently undergoing legal proceedings, with efforts underway to deport violators.

The Ministry of Interior has warned of severe penalties for anyone aiding illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles and property used in violations.

Additionally, Pakistani authorities have directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to crack down on the mafias responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities have highlighted that these beggars, many of whom arrive on Umrah visas, are causing increasing concern. In response, Pakistan plans to introduce an "Umrah Act" to regulate travel agencies and prevent abuse of religious pilgrimage routes.

Earlier Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration conducted a significant operation at Karachi Airport, arresting two female passengers involved in begging under the guise of performing Umrah.