In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between March 12 and 18 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 22,931 violations, including 17,181 related to residency, 3,931 to border security, and 1,819 to labor laws.
Border authorities apprehended 1,635 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 29% Yemenis, 68% Ethiopians, and 3% from other nationalities. They also arrested 40 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
A total of 36 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
A total of 29,564 expatriates, including 26,714 men and 2,850 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Meanwhile, 21,133 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 3,285 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 8,104 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.
