RIYADH, April 5: Saudi authorities have arrested 18,407 individuals in one week for violations related to residency, work, and border security, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Saturday.

The arrests included 12,995 individuals detained for violating residency laws, 3,512 people apprehended for illegal border crossings, and 1,900 detained for labor-related offenses.

Among the 1,260 people arrested for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, 66 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent were Yemeni, and 6 percent were from other countries. In addition, 67 people were arrested for attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and 21 individuals were detained for facilitating and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone found aiding illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, including those providing transportation and shelter, could face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million (approximately $260,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

The Ministry also reminded the public that suspected violations can be reported via toll-free numbers: 911 in Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other areas across the Kingdom.