KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15: Saudi authorities have arrested 22,156 individuals in the span of one week for violating residency, labor, and border security laws, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to the report, 14,027 people were detained for residency violations, 4,781 for attempting to cross borders illegally, and 3,348 for labor-related offenses.

Of the 1,924 individuals apprehended while trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 62 percent were Ethiopian, 37 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent from other nationalities. Another 32 people were caught attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully, while 31 individuals were arrested for aiding violators by transporting or sheltering them.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone found facilitating illegal entry — including offering transportation or accommodation — faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching SR1 million ($267,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or property involved in the offense.

Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in all other areas.