Dubai: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between January 16 to January 22 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded the following results: Across the Kingdom, 22,555 violations were recorded, which included 14,260 of residency, 4,954 of border security, and 3,341 of labor laws. Additionally, 1,700 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 42% were Yemenis, 56% were Ethiopians, and 2% were of other nationalities. Furthermore, 81 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
In a crackdown on those facilitating illegal activities, 24 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. Currently, 33,871 expatriates, comprising 30,984 men and 2,887 women, are undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations.
The report indicates that 26,489 violators were detained and instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to secure proper travel documentation. Meanwhile, 2,274 individuals were advised to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 10,948 were successfully repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that any person facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them, providing shelter, or offering any other assistance or service could face severe penalties. These penalties may include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such actions are major crimes that warrant arrest and urged citizens to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.