Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between April 17 and 23 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results across the Kingdom with a total of 19,328 violations recorded. These comprised 11,245 residency violations, 4,297 border security breaches, and 3,786 labor law infringements. During the operation, authorities intercepted 1,360 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally, with 44% being Yemenis, 54% Ethiopians, and 2% from other nationalities. Additionally, 79 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.
The ministry's crackdown also led to the arrest of 22 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 31,964 expatriates, including 29,555 men and 2,409 women, are undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations.
Furthermore, a total of 23,419 individuals were detained for violating laws and were instructed to contact their respective countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Of these, 3,864 were told to arrange their departure bookings, and 12,866 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, or providing them with shelter or assistance could result in severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter are subject to confiscation.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered major crimes that warrant arrest. It also urged citizens to report any violations by contacting 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.