Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between January 29 and February 4 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 20,237 violations, including 12,687 related to residency, 4,318 to border security, and 3,232 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,555 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 40% Yemenis, 57% Ethiopians, and 3% from other nationalities. They also arrested 61 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 32 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
A total of 23,807 expatriates, including 21,926 men and 1,881 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 16,805 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 2,437 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,656 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.