Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has deported 7,989 illegal residents, following an initial arrest of 10,725 people during joint inspection campaigns by security operatives between June 4 and June 10 in the country.

About 5,899 violators of the residency law, 3,084 violators of the border security law and 1,742 violators of the labour law were arrested during the operation according to SaudiGazette.

The ministry said it also referred 14,268 violators to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 1,240 violators were directed to complete their travel reservations.

It noted that 1,418 people were arrested while attempting to cross into the Kingdom through its borders, adding that 43 percent of those apprehended were Yemeni nationals, 55 per cent were Ethiopians, while others were of other nationalities.

It noted that 34 people were arrested for attempting to leave the kingdom illegally.

The ministry said 18 individuals were also arrested for offering transportation, shelter and employment to violators.

It stated that 22,026 expatriates, consisting  20,459 men and 1,567 women, were currently undergoing the country’s legal and administrative procedures.

The ministry warned citizens against facilitating illegal entry into the kingdom, transporting illegal migrants, sheltering or offering assistance or services to undocumented foreigners.

It noted that violators would be sanctioned with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, while vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering would be confiscated.

The ministry urged citizens to report violations, by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while emergency contact lines 999 or 996 should be used in other regions of the kingdom.