Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between March 20 to March 26 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results across the Kingdom. A total of 25,362 violations were recorded, with 18,504 related to residency, 4,004 to border security, and 2,854 to labor laws. Among those detained, 1,533 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 30% were identified as Yemenis, 65% as Ethiopians, and 5% from other nationalities. Additionally, 62 individuals were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The report also highlighted the arrest of nine individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators. Currently, 36,251 expatriates, comprising 34,729 men and 1,522 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Out of the total violators, 27,576 have been detained and instructed to contact their respective countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Furthermore, 2,315 individuals were advised to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 12,066 have already been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, or providing them with shelter or any assistance may result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are major crimes warranting 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.