19,024 Violators of Residence, Labor, Border Security Laws Apprehended in a Week.

Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between November 21 to November 27 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws. According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results, with 19,024 violations recorded across the Kingdom. These included 11,268 breaches of residency laws, 4,773 violations of border security, and 2,983 infringements of labor laws. Authorities apprehended 1,212 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, with 25% identified as Yemenis, 73% Ethiopians, and 2% of other nationalities. Additionally, 122 people were detained for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. The crackdown also led to the arrest of 22 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 24,107 expatriates, comprising 21,176 men and 2,931 women, are undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. Of those detained, 15,970 have been instructed to contact their countries ' embassies or consulates to acquire appropriate travel documentation. Meanwhile, 2,633 individuals have been advised to arrange bookings for their departure, and 10,537 have been repatriated. The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that individuals facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators, or providing shelter or assistance may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in such activities may also be confiscated. The ministry emphasized that these actions constitute major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.