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

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recently carried out inspection campaigns from October 10 to October 16. These efforts aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. The inspections led to the identification of 21,971 violations across the Kingdom. These included 13,186 residency breaches, 5,427 border security infractions, and 3,358 labour law violations.

During these operations, authorities intercepted 1,421 individuals attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom. Among them, 34% were identified as Yemenis, 64% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 2% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, 53 individuals were apprehended for trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Eighteen people were arrested for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, procedures are underway for enforcing regulations on a total of 15,775 expatriates. This group includes 13,885 men and 1,890 women. They are being processed according to legal requirements.

The Ministry has detained 8,370 individuals for various law violations. These detainees have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to secure appropriate travel documents. Furthermore, arrangements for departure bookings have been made for 2,054 individuals.

A total of 12,355 expatriates have been repatriated following these enforcement actions. The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding penalties for those facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom. Such acts can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million.

The Ministry emphasised that vehicles used for illegal transport or houses used for sheltering violators may be confiscated. It categorises these actions as major crimes warranting arrest.

Public Cooperation and Reporting

The Ministry urges citizens to report any violations by calling designated numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions; and 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom. Public cooperation is crucial in maintaining law and order within the country.

This comprehensive approach underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to upholding its residency and border security laws while ensuring public safety through active citizen participation.

With inputs from SPA