Over 11,000 Residency, Labor, Border Violations Recorded in One Week Across Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between April 23 and 29 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 11,300 violations, including 6,244 related to residency, 3,543 to border security, and 1,513 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,330 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 43% Yemenis, 54% Ethiopians, and 3% from other nationalities. They also arrested 51 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 14 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.

According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 29,913 expatriates, including 27,699 men and 2,214 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 18,601 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 4,337 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,855 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.

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