Dubai: Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 13,500 illegal residents in a week-long campaign targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced Saturday.The nationwide operation, conducted between June 19 and June 25, resulted in the arrest of 13,532 individuals, including 7,903 violators of the Residency Law, 3,744 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,885 violations of Labor Law regulations..Saudi Arabia shuts 436 fake Hajj campaigns, arrests 462 for aiding violators.The arrests were part of a coordinated inspection effort led by security forces in cooperation with multiple government agencies.A total of 9,479 individuals were deported, while 6,225 were referred to their respective embassies to obtain travel documents. Another 2,072 were sent to complete travel arrangements..Saudi Arabia lists 25 crimes that mandate detention.According to the ministry, 1,892 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally cross the border into Saudi Arabia.Among them, 67 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 31 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent from other nationalities. .Additionally, 17 individuals were arrested for facilitating violations, providing transportation, shelter, or employment to those residing in the country unlawfully..Saudis pass draft law to protect whistleblowers, witnesses of crime. Currently, 11,908 individuals, including 10,783 men and 1,125 women, remain in custody as they undergo legal proceedings ahead of potential deportation or sentencing.The Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone found helping illegal residents, whether by providing transport, housing, or employment, faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offence. — Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE