Saudi Arabia Apprehends Over 22,000 Violators Of Residency And Labor Laws In Recent Inspections

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia carried out inspection campaigns from October 03 to October 09. These efforts aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. The inspections revealed a total of 22,993 violations across the Kingdom. This included 14,269 residency violations, 5,230 border security breaches, and 3,494 labour law infringements.

During these operations, authorities intercepted 1,378 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 41% were Yemenis, 58% Ethiopians, and the remaining 1% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, 80 individuals were apprehended for trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

A total of 15,136 expatriates are currently undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. This group comprises 13,520 men and 1,616 women. Authorities have detained 7,211 people for legal violations and instructed them to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documentation. Meanwhile, arrangements for departure bookings were advised for another 2,381 individuals.

The Ministry has successfully repatriated 11,907 people during this period. Furthermore, nineteen individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators were arrested. The Ministry has issued a stern warning against facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom.

The Ministry highlighted that aiding illegal entry or providing shelter can result in severe penalties. Offenders may face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport or houses used for sheltering violators may also be confiscated as part of the penalties.

Such acts are classified as major crimes warranting arrest. The Ministry urges citizens to report any violations by calling specific numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions; and 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

With inputs from SPA