Saudi Arabia Reports Over 23,000 Violations Of Residency And Labour Laws In Recent Inspections

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia carried out inspection campaigns from December 19 to December 25. These inspections aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded 23,194 violations across the Kingdom. These included 13,083 residency violations, 6,210 border security breaches, and 3,901 labour law infractions.

Among those attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom were 1,536 individuals. Of these, 41% were from Yemen, 57% from Ethiopia, and the remaining 2% from other nationalities. Additionally, authorities apprehended 57 individuals trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Currently, procedures are underway for 31,139 expatriates (28,605 men and 2,534 women) to enforce regulations. Out of these individuals, 21,843 have been detained for legal violations and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates for travel documents. Furthermore, 4,025 have been advised to arrange their departure bookings.

The Ministry has repatriated a total of 9,904 expatriates during this period. Authorities also arrested twenty-three people involved in transporting or sheltering violators. The Ministry emphasised that facilitating illegal entry or providing assistance is a serious crime with severe penalties.

The Ministry warned that anyone aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom could face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may also be confiscated as part of the penalties.

The Ministry highlighted that these actions are considered major crimes warranting arrest. It urged 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