Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between March 13 to March 19 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded the following results: Across the Kingdom, 25,150 violations were recorded, which included 17,886 of residency, 4,247 of border security, and 3,017 of labor laws. Attempts to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally were made by 1,553 individuals, of whom 28% were Yemenis, 69% Ethiopians, and 03% of other nationalities. Additionally, 63 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Thirty-six people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 38,061 expatriates, comprising 35,795 men and 2,266 women, are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations.
In terms of repatriation efforts, 30,528 violators were detained for violating laws and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Furthermore, 2,420 were told to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 12,008 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that any person facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, or providing them with shelter or any other assistance may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport or houses used for sheltering these individuals may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts 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 the rest of the Kingdom.