Saudi Arabia Apprehends Over 21,000 Violators Of Residency And Labour Laws In Recent Inspections

Inspection campaigns were carried out by the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia from January 9 to January 15. These efforts aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded 21,485 violations across the Kingdom. These included 13,562 breaches of residency laws, 4,853 related to border security, and 3,070 concerning labour regulations.

In attempts to cross into the Kingdom illegally, 1,568 individuals were apprehended. Among them, 47% were identified as Yemenis and 50% as Ethiopians. The remaining 3% belonged to various other nationalities. Additionally, authorities detained 64 people trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

The ministry also reported that sixteen individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. This highlights the ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities related to migration and employment within Saudi Arabia.

A total of 33,007 expatriates are currently undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. This group comprises 30,335 men and 2,672 women. Of these expatriates, 25,164 have been detained for legal violations and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates for travel documentation.

Furthermore, 2,864 individuals have been advised to arrange bookings for their departure. Meanwhile, a total of 11,955 expatriates have already been repatriated as part of these enforcement measures.

Penalties for Facilitating Illegal Entry

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding penalties for facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom. Individuals involved in such activities may face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering violators may be confiscated.

The ministry emphasised that these actions are considered major crimes 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.

With inputs from SPA