Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between April 3 and 9 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded the following results: Across the Kingdom, 18,669 violations were recorded, with 11,813 related to residency, 4,366 to border security, and 2,490 concerning labor laws. The authorities apprehended 1,497 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, comprising 27% Yemenis, 69% Ethiopians, and 4% from other nationalities. Additionally, 59 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom without proper authorization.

The ministry reported that 17 individuals were detained for being involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators. Currently, 33,166 expatriates, consisting of 30,860 men and 2,306 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Out of these, 25,754 individuals were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain necessary travel documentation. Furthermore, 2,279 were asked to arrange their travel bookings, while 8,126 individuals have already been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior issued a warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into the Kingdom, transportation within its territory, and provision of shelter or other forms of assistance to violators. Such acts may result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering violators may be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that these violations constitute major crimes that necessitate arrest. Citizens are encouraged to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.