Riyadh: In a targeted effort to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recorded 14,970 violations during inspection campaigns conducted between July 16 and 22. The violations included 7,437 related to residency, 3,991 to border security, and 3,542 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,626 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 37% were Yemenis, 62% Ethiopians, and 1% were from other nationalities. Additionally, 33 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities arrested 18 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing those who violated residency, labor, and border laws. A total of 30,546 expatriates, comprising 28,557 men and 1,989 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Furthermore, 17,747 individuals were detained for regulatory violations and instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documents. Out of those detained, 6,113 were advised to arrange travel, and 13,251 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior issued a warning that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators within its territory, or providing them with shelter or other assistance could result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in such activities may also be confiscated.
The ministry reiterated that these acts are major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations by contacting 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.