Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between June 05 and June 11 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results with 9,639 violations recorded across the Kingdom. These included 5,625 residency violations, 2,797 border security breaches, and 1,217 labor law infractions. A notable aspect of the operation was the apprehension of 1,117 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, comprising 28% Yemenis and 72% Ethiopians. Additionally, 35 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.
The Ministry also reported that ten individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 14,402 expatriates, including 13,364 men and 1,038 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Out of these, 8,630 individuals were detained for violating laws and instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Furthermore, 840 were advised to make booking arrangements for their departure, while 7,657 have already been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into the Kingdom. Individuals found guilty could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering violators 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 Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.