Ministry Of Interior Apprehends 19,024 Violators Of Residency, Labor And Border Security Laws

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recently carried out inspection campaigns from November 21 to November 27. These campaigns aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws across the Kingdom. During this period, authorities recorded a total of 19,024 violations. These included 11,268 breaches of residency laws, 4,773 related to border security, and 2,983 concerning labour regulations.

Among those attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom were 1,212 individuals. Of these, 25% were identified as Yemenis, 73% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 2% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, authorities apprehended 122 people trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Authorities have detained a total of 24,107 expatriates for various violations. This group comprises 21,176 men and 2,931 women who are currently undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. Of these detainees, 15,970 have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to secure proper travel documents.

Furthermore, arrangements for departure bookings were made for 2,633 individuals. Meanwhile, a total of 10,537 violators have already been repatriated back to their home countries.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into Saudi Arabia. Individuals found guilty of transporting or sheltering violators face severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used in such activities may be confiscated.

The Ministry emphasised that these actions constitute major crimes warranting arrest. It also urged citizens to report any violations by contacting specific emergency numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions; and either 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

In connection with these efforts, authorities arrested twenty-two people involved in transporting or employing violators. The Ministry continues its commitment to enforcing laws strictly and ensuring public safety within its borders.

With inputs from SPA