Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between August 20 and 26 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 14,434 violations, including 6,976 related to residency, 4,110 to border security, and 3,348 to labor laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,450 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 41% Yemenis, 58% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 44 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

A total of 27 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. Additionally, 29,938 expatriates, including 27,957 men and 1,981 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 18,914 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 2,867 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,905 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 services 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.