Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between June 25 and July 1 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 15,591 violations, including 7,759 related to residency, 4,488 to border security, and 3,344 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,629 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 46% Yemenis, 53% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 58 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 17 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 27,445 expatriates, including 25,412 men and 2,033 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 16,912 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 4,174 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 12,292 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.