Riyadh: In a series of inspection campaigns conducted across Saudi Arabia from April 9 to 15, the Ministry of Interior documented a total of 14,487 violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the breakdown of these violations included 7,911 related to residency, 3,588 to border security, and 2,988 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,382 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 38% were identified as Yemenis, 61% as Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 43 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities reported the arrest of 23 individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators. In an ongoing effort to enforce regulations, 39,258 expatriates, comprising 35,460 men and 3,798 women, are currently undergoing procedures.
Furthermore, 21,127 individuals were detained for regulation violations and instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to acquire proper travel documents. Meanwhile, 11,240 individuals were advised to arrange their travel, and 12,554 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior issued a warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into the Kingdom. Those who transport, shelter, or assist violators could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. The ministry indicated that vehicles and properties used in such activities might be confiscated.
The ministry labeled these acts as major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any such violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.
Source: Saudi Press Agency