Over 22,000 Arrested in Joint Raids in Saudi Arabia

Melbourne, August 11— More than 22,000 individuals have been arrested in Saudi Arabia within a week for violating residency, labor, and border security laws. According to the country’s Ministry of Interior, a total of 22,072 people were detained during joint operations conducted between July 31 and August 6.

A report by the state-run Saudi Gazette stated that among those arrested, 13,833 were found violating residency laws, 4,624 violated border security regulations, and 3,615 breached labor laws.

Additionally, 1,640 individuals were caught while attempting to illegally enter Saudi Arabia. Of these, 35% were Yemeni nationals, 64% Ethiopian, and 1% from other countries. Another 48 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the country illegally.

During the operations, 37 individuals were also arrested for sheltering, transporting, employing, or otherwise aiding border law violators.

Currently, a total of 23,630 law violators are undergoing legal procedures. Of them, 16,162 have been referred to their respective embassies for travel documentation, 3,136 are awaiting travel bookings, and 11,058 have already been deported.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning, stating that anyone who facilitates illegal border entry—by offering transportation, shelter, or any other form of assistance—may face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million Saudi Riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and residence used, and public disclosure of the offender’s identity.