Riyadh: In a series of inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia conducted between September 25 and October 1, the Ministry of Interior recorded 18,673 violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws. The violations included 10,673 related to residency, 3,822 to border security, and 4,178 to labor laws.
According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,479 individuals attempting to illegally cross into the Kingdom. Among these, 59% were identified as Yemenis, 40% as Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 52 individuals for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The operations led to the arrest of 17 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 31,015 expatriates, comprising 29,172 men and 1,843 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Additionally, 25,478 individuals detained for violating the regulations were instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to secure proper travel documents. Out of these, 2,139 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,544 individuals were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, or providing them shelter, assistance, or other services could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered 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.