Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between February 20 to February 26 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded the following results: Across the Kingdom, 17,389 violations were recorded, with 10,397 of residency, 4,128 of border security, and 2,864 of labor laws. Attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally were 1,483 individuals, of whom 41% were Yemenis, 56% Ethiopians, and 03% of other nationalities. Additionally, 104 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Fifteen individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 40,350 expatriates, comprising 35,845 men and 4,505 women, are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Of these, 31,463 were detained for violating laws and instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation; 3,709 were told to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 10,363 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them with shelter or any other assistance or service may be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may be confiscated. The ministry stressed that such acts are major crimes that warrant arrest. It also urges people to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.