Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between September 11 and 17 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 21,638 violations. This included 12,958 related to residency, 4,540 to border security, and 4,140 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,391 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, with 54% of them being Yemenis, 45% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 31 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The authorities also arrested 19 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, a total of 32,149 expatriates, comprising 29,265 men and 2,884 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Meanwhile, 25,533 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. Furthermore, 1,610 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,375 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior issued a warning that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, or providing them with shelter, assistance, or other services 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 could also be confiscated.
The ministry stressed that such acts are considered major crimes warranting 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.