Saudi Arabia’s security forces have apprehended 21,971 illegal residents in a major crackdown conducted across the Kingdom over the past week, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The arrests, made between October 10 and 16, were part of a joint field security operation involving coordination with various government agencies, aimed at tackling violations of residency, labor, and border security laws.
The crackdown led to the detention of 13,186 individuals who were found in violation of residency regulations, 5,427 who breached border security laws, and 3,358 who were arrested for breaking labor laws. Authorities also detained 1,421 individuals attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia, with the majority of them coming from Ethiopia and Yemen. In addition, 53 individuals were caught trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
The Ministry of Interior revealed that 18 people involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of illegal residents were also arrested. Legal proceedings are underway for 15,775 expatriates, including 13,885 men and 1,890 women, as the government accelerates efforts to deport those found in violation of the law.
Saudi authorities have issued stern warnings about severe penalties for anyone found aiding illegal entry into the country, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines reaching SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles and property used in the violations.
Pakistan to Crack Down on Beggar Mafias Exploiting Umrah Visas
In a related development, Pakistani authorities have instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to target mafias responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. Many of these beggars enter the Kingdom on Umrah visas, raising concerns about the abuse of religious pilgrimage routes. In response, Pakistan is planning to introduce an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies and prevent such exploitation.
Earlier, the FIA’s immigration unit conducted a significant operation at Karachi Airport, arresting two female passengers who were attempting to beg under the guise of performing Umrah.
The coordinated efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s and Pakistan’s commitment to tackling illegal residency and safeguarding the integrity of pilgrimage practices in the region.
