Police in Saudi Arabia have arrested over 10,000 illegal immigrants in Mecca, Islam's holiest city, during the past three months, a newspaper reported Saturday. The arrests came during a crackdown on foreigners violating residence and labor laws, and those who overstayed pilgrimage visas, Major Salman al-Muhaya of the passports department told Okaz daily.
Saudi authorities regularly announce the arrests of mainly Arabs and Asians who arrive in the kingdom on a pilgrimage to Mecca but then stay on illegally. Visa violators are deported while landlords renting accommodation or employing them illegally face prison terms and fines. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
