Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between March 06 to March 12 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded the following results: Across the Kingdom, 23,865 violations were recorded, including 16,644 of residency, 3,896 of border security, and 3,325 of labor laws. Additionally, 1,432 individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Of these individuals, 29% were Yemenis, 67% Ethiopians, and 04% of other nationalities. Furthermore, 97 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Thirteen individuals were detained for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Meanwhile, a total of 39,976 expatriates, consisting of 36,307 men and 3,669 women, are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Of these, 32,825 were detained for violating laws and instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Additionally, 2,311 were advised to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 10,331 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within the territory, provides them with shelter, or any other assistance or service may face severe penalties. These penalties include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million, with the possibility of confiscation of vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are major crimes that warrant arrest. It also 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.