Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between January 22 and 28 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 19,975 violations, including 12,906 related to residency, 3,918 to border security, and 3,151 to labor laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,716 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 39% Yemenis, 60% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 48 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 11 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.

A total of 23,472 expatriates, including 21,862 men and 1,610 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 16,595 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 1,820 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,867 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.