Over 22,000 Residency, Labor, Border Violations Recorded in One Week

In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between August 14 and 20 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 22,222 violations, including 13,551 related to residency, 4,665 to border security, and 4,006 to labor laws.
 Border authorities apprehended 1,786 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 42% Yemenis, 57% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 33 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
 A total of 18 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
 A total of 25,921 expatriates, including 23,419 men and 2,502 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
 Meanwhile, 19,596 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 1,664 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 12,920 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 any 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.