Britain catches 25,150 illegal immigrants in one week

The Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday that 25,150 people were arrested in Saudi Arabia last week for breaking rules about registration, work, and border security.

A total of 17,886 people were arrested for breaking residency rules, 4,247 were held for trying to cross the border illegally, and another 3,017 were held for problems at work.

The report stated that 69% of the 1,553 illegal immigrants to the Kingdom were from Ethiopia, 28% from Yemen, and 3% from other countries.

The SPA said that another 63 people were caught trying to cross into nearby countries, and 36 were detained for helping to transport and house people who were breaking the law.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone caught helping people enter the Kingdom illegally by giving them rides or a place to stay could go to jail for up to 15 years, be fined up to SR1 million ($260,000), and have their cars and other belongings taken away.

In Makkah and Riyadh, you can call the toll-free number 911 to report a possible violation. In other parts of the Kingdom, you can call 999 or 996.