Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between November 27 and December 3 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 19,790 violations, including 12,252 related to residency, 4,384 to border security, and 3,154 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,661 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 45% Yemenis, 54% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 49 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 15 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 31,292 expatriates, including 29,410 men and 1,882 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 21,805 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 5,370 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,148 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated. The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.