Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between May 28 and June 3 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 7,760 violations, including 4,060 related to residency, 2,574 to border security, and 1,126 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,184 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 28% Yemenis, 70% Ethiopians, and 2% from other nationalities. They also arrested 25 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 16 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 21,774 expatriates, including 20,455 men and 1,319 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 14,495 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 850 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 4,690 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 violations of the law and threaten the security of the Kingdom.