Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between May 21 and 27 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 8,090 violations, including 4,266 related to residency, 2,653 to border security, and 1,171 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,176 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 25% Yemenis, 68% Ethiopians, and 7% from other nationalities. They also arrested 71 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 13 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 21,685 expatriates, including 20,512 men and 1,173 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 14,484 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 572 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 7,466 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.