Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between April 16 and 22 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 12,192 violations, including 6,606 related to residency, 3,510 to border security, and 2,076 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,454 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 32% Yemenis, 67% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 50 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. Additionally, a total of 22 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
A total of 33,223 expatriates, including 30,666 men and 2,557 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 20,318 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 6,299 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 17,368 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.