Saudi Arabia arrests over 21,000, expels 11,674

The country's Interior Ministry has arrested 21,134 people in the past week in Saudi Arabia.The country's Interior Ministry has arrested 21,134 people in the past week in Saudi Arabia. Their arrests were shown in a nationwide campaign against illegal residence, labor violations and opponents of border laws. The news was reported by Gulf News on Sunday (November 30), citing a statement.

The campaign was carried out by various security and government agencies from November 20 to 26. Of the arrested people, 13,128 violated residence rules, 4,826 violated border security laws, and 3,180 violated labor laws. The statement also said that 22,071 people were sent to their respective countries' diplomatic missions to collect travel documents. Another 5,078 people were included in the repatriation process. At the same time, 11,674 people were expelled from Saudi Arabia.

Last week, 1,667 people were arrested while trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 57 percent were Ethiopians, 42 percent were Yemenis, and 1 percent were citizens of other countries.

In addition, 31 people were arrested while trying to leave Saudi Arabia illegally. During the operation, 14 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or providing employment to illegal workers or unregistered people. A total of 31,091 expatriates - 29,538 of whom are men and 1,553 women - are undergoing legal proceedings.

The Interior Ministry warned that assisting illegal foreigners - such as providing shelter, transportation, or other assistance - could result in up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles or property used in the crime. Overall, the Saudi government said such operations would be carried out regularly to maintain order in the illegal residence and labor market.