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Riyadh: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad signed a new development loan agreement with Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh to finance the Oasis Hub Project in southern Tunisia.

The loan, exceeding $38 million, was signed in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz Al-Saqr. The agreement reflects a strong development partnership spanning nearly 50 years, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Oasis Hub Project aims to support sustainable rural development by reclaiming more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land across various Tunisian regions. It includes drilling and equipping 22 wells, expanding rural villages and infrastructure, and building more than 285 housing units for local residents.

The agreement is part of the Saudi fund’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Tunisia by financing infrastructure that improves living standards, creates jobs, and supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

The project will enhance regional infrastructure through the construction of roads, pipelines, and water networks for drinking and irrigation. It will also support educational institutions, agricultural facilities, and cultural, social, and commercial centers.

These efforts aim to improve quality of life and drive economic and social growth in Tunisia’s southern governorates, the SPA reported.

Since beginning operations in Tunisia in 1975, the Saudi fund has financed 32 development projects and programs through concessional loans totaling more than $1.2 billion, along with grants exceeding $105 million.

On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad met with Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri in Tunis, joined by Abdelhafidh, Al-Saqr, and other officials.

The meeting explored ways to strengthen development cooperation and highlighted the decades-long partnership, especially in financing key projects in Tunisia.

Al-Marshad also met with Tunisian Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss ongoing health projects funded by the Saudi fund and potential support for the Tunisian health sector.

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 13,532 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,903 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,744 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,885 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,892 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 31 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 34 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 17 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.