New Delhi, April 7 -- In just one week, Saudi authorities arrested 18,407 people for breaking residency, labour and border security rules, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The update comes ahead of Hajj 2025, which is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9 this year.

Among the illegals arrested, 12,995 were caught for violating residency laws, 3,512 for illegal border crossings and 1,900 for labour-related offences. Among those trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 66% were Ethiopian, 28% Yemeni and 6% from other nationalities.

Also, 67 people were caught attempting to exit into neighbouring countries, and 21 were held for helping or hiding violators. The Ministry of Interior warned that those helping illegal entry could ...