RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expelled over 13,000 illegal migrants in a week-long crackdown on residency, labour, and border violations.
Arab media have reported that from December 18 up to 24, a lot of people were caught and arrested because of breaking the residency laws, trying to cross borders illegally, or being involved in labour law violations. Breaking the law accounted for the following: 11,991 for illegal residency; 3,808 for attempting to cross the border illegally; and 3,078 for labour law violations.
One operation also saw the arrest of six Pakistanis planning to sneak 71 kilograms of drugs into the country.
Moreover, the data shows that a total of 1,312 arrests were made of individuals trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The group’s demographics showed that 55% were from Ethiopia, 44% from Yemen, and the remaining 1% comprised other nationalities.
In addition, the law enforcement agencies detained 46 individuals who tried to cross the border illegally to a neighbouring country and another 14 were prosecuted for enabling illegal travel, residency, and employment.
The actions taken by the officials resulted in the expulsion of 13,241 illegal migrants to their countries of origin.
The laws of Saudi Arabia regarding the aid of illegal immigrants with travel, residency, or employment are extremely strict, and severe penalties will be imposed on those convicted.
