Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between February 13 to February 19 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results. Across the Kingdom, 21,222 violations were recorded: 13,202 of residency, 4,911 of border security, and 3,109 of labor laws. Attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally were 1,376 individuals, of whom 40% were Yemenis, 58% Ethiopians, and 2% of other nationalities. Additionally, 86 people were apprehended for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The report highlights that 22 individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators were arrested. Moreover, a total of 40,519 expatriates, comprising 36,213 men and 4,306 women, are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Of these, 30,874 were detained for violating laws and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Furthermore, 3,910 individuals were advised to arrange bookings for their departure, and 10,170 were successfully repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter or assistance, faces severe penalties. These penalties include up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SAR1 million, and the potential confiscation of vehicles and houses used in such activities.
The ministry emphasized that these actions are major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.