Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between September 10 and 16 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 14,782 violations, including 7,438 related to residency, 3,782 to border security, and 3,562 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,450 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 43% Yemenis, 56% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 25 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 23 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
A total of 31,075 expatriates, including 29,171 men and 1,904 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 18,986 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 3,834 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 12,635 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.