Security forces in Saudi Arabia arrested 13,905 people in one week on charges of violating residency, labour and border security laws. The raids took place from 15 to 21 October, the Saudi interior ministry said.
According to the ministry, 6,554 of those arrested were held for violating residency laws, 3,865 for violating border security laws and 3,486 for violating labour laws.
In addition, 1,881 people were detained while trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, and another 22 were arrested on charges of trying to leave the country illegally across the border.
The authorities also arrested 21 people on charges of transporting, sheltering or employing violators, or concealing their identity.
The interior ministry said legal proceedings are now under way against a total of 37,618 expatriates for violating residency, labour and border security laws. Of them, 35,449 are men and 2,169 are women.
In addition, 20,252 people have been referred to their own countries’ diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 6,555 were referred to the relevant authorities to complete travel arrangements. A total of 7,934 people were deported to their home countries during the reporting period.
The interior ministry warned that anyone who helps violators of border security laws enter Saudi Arabia illegally, transports them within the country, shelters them or assists them in any other way will face severe punishment.
These offences carry up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals and confiscation of the vehicles used and of property used to shelter violators. Those involved may also be publicly named.
The ministry added that these offences are considered serious crimes and those involved may be arrested.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report