Ministry Of Interior Apprehends 19,328 Violators Of Residency, Labor And Border Security Laws In One Week

The Ministry of Interior carried out inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia from April 17 to 23. These efforts aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded 19,328 violations. Of these, 11,245 were related to residency, 4,297 pertained to border security, and 3,786 involved breaches of labour laws.

Attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom were 1,360 individuals. Among them, 44% were Yemenis, 54% Ethiopians, and the remaining 2% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, authorities apprehended 79 people trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Currently, procedures are underway for enforcing regulations on 31,964 expatriates. This group includes 29,555 men and 2,409 women. Meanwhile, authorities detained a total of 23,419 individuals for law violations. These individuals have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates for proper travel documentation.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding penalties for those facilitating illegal activities. Individuals who assist in illegal entry or provide shelter or transport can face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles used in such activities may also be confiscated.

Authorities have repatriated a total of 12,866 individuals during this period. Additionally, instructions were given to 3,864 violators to arrange bookings for their departure from the Kingdom.

The Ministry highlighted that aiding illegal entry or providing assistance constitutes a major crime warranting arrest. It urged citizens to report any violations by calling designated numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions; and 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

In connection with these operations, authorities arrested 22 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. The Ministry emphasised that such actions are serious offences under Saudi law.

With inputs from SPA