Over 18,000 Residency, Labor, Border Violations Recorded in One Week

In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between January 8 and 14 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 18,054 violations, including 11,343 related to residency, 3,858 to border security, and 2,853 to labor laws.
 Border authorities apprehended 1,491 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 40% Yemenis, 59% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 18 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 27,518 expatriates, including 25,552 men and 1,966 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
 Meanwhile, 19,835 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 3,936 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,621 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.