Riyadh: In a significant enforcement drive across Saudi Arabia from April 30 to May 6, the Ministry of Interior recorded 11,175 violations of residency, labor, and border security laws. These violations include 6,153 related to residency, 3,619 to border security, and 1,403 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,411 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 36% were Yemenis, 62% Ethiopians, and 2% from other nationalities. Additionally, 23 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The authorities also arrested 19 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, a total of 28,678 expatriates, comprising 27,157 men and 1,521 women, are undergoing procedures to ensure compliance with regulations.
Furthermore, 19,441 individuals detained for violating the regulations have been instructed to contact their respective countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 3,986 individuals have been advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,272 individuals have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior issued a stern 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 may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered 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.