Riyadh: In recent inspection campaigns conducted across Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior has reported a total of 14,165 violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws between August 27 and September 2. The violations included 7,121 related to residency laws, 3,636 to border security, and 3,408 to labor regulations.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities detained 1,315 individuals attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia. Of these individuals, 41% were identified as Yemenis, 58% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, authorities arrested 42 individuals for attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

In an effort to combat illegal activities, 21 individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators were also arrested. Currently, procedures are underway for 29,773 expatriates, comprising 27,845 men and 1,928 women, to ensure regulations are enforced.

Moreover, 18,937 individuals detained for violations were instructed to reach out to their respective embassies or consulates to acquire proper travel documentation. Meanwhile, 3,240 were advised to make necessary travel arrangements, and 12,363 individuals have been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom. It stated that anyone found guilty of such acts, including transportation, sheltering, or providing assistance to violators, could face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles and properties used in facilitating these violations are subject to confiscation.

The ministry reiterated the seriousness of these offenses, classifying them as major crimes warranting arrest. They have urged the public to report any suspected violations by contacting 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.