Saudi Arabia Reports 25,150 Violations Of Residency And Labor Laws During Inspections

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recently conducted inspection campaigns from March 13 to March 19. These efforts aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. The inspections revealed a total of 25,150 violations across the Kingdom. This included 17,886 residency violations, 4,247 border security breaches, and 3,017 labour law infringements.

Among those attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, 1,553 individuals were intercepted. Of these, 28% were identified as Yemenis, 69% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 3% were from other nationalities. Additionally, authorities detained 63 people for trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Authorities arrested thirty-six individuals for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, procedures are underway for enforcing regulations on 38,061 expatriates. This group comprises 35,795 men and 2,266 women who are undergoing various processes related to their violations.

A significant number of violators have been detained for breaching laws. Specifically, 30,528 individuals have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain necessary travel documents. Meanwhile, 2,420 violators have been advised to arrange their departure bookings.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into Saudi Arabia. Those who assist by transporting or providing shelter face severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may be confiscated.

The ministry emphasised that such actions are considered major crimes warranting arrest. It also 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 addition to these measures, authorities successfully repatriated a total of 12,008 individuals during this period. This action is part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order within the Kingdom's borders.

With inputs from SPA