Riyadh: In inspection campaigns conducted across Saudi Arabia between June 11 and June 17, the Ministry of Interior recorded 15,288 violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws. These included 7,864 violations concerning residency, 4,576 related to border security, and 2,848 concerning labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,668 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 46% were Yemenis, 53% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 54 individuals attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
In addition, 24 individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 23,587 expatriates, including 21,758 men and 1,829 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
The report further detailed that 15,109 individuals detained for regulations violations have been instructed to contact their respective countries' embassies or consulates for proper travel documentation. Additionally, 1,979 individuals were advised to arrange travel plans, and 10,458 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning highlighting the penalties for facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators within its territory, or providing them shelter or assistance. Such actions may result in up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SAR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in these illegal activities may also be confiscated.
The ministry underscored that these are major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations. The public can call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom to report such activities.