Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between January 15 and 21 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 18,200 violations, including 11,442 related to residency, 3,931 to border security, and 2,827 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,762 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 46% Yemenis, 53% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 46 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
A total of 11 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. In addition, 25,477 expatriates, including 23,443 men and 2,034 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Meanwhile, 18,685 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 3,011 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,451 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.