Saudi Arabia Reports Over 15,000 Violations Of Residency And Labor Laws In Recent Inspections

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia carried out inspection campaigns from September 19 to September 25. These inspections aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labor, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded 15,324 violations across the Kingdom. These included 9,235 residency violations, 3,772 border security breaches, and 2,317 labor law infractions.

Among those attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom were 1,226 individuals. Of these, 48% were identified as Yemenis, 51% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 1% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, authorities apprehended 116 people trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

The Ministry has detained a total of 13,657 expatriates for violating various laws. This group comprises 11,952 men and 1,705 women who are currently undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. Furthermore, authorities have instructed 6,520 individuals to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documentation.

In addition to these measures, another group of 1,385 individuals was advised to arrange their departure bookings. Meanwhile, a significant number of expatriates—11,894—have already been repatriated following these enforcement actions.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into the Kingdom. Those involved in transporting or sheltering violators may face severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport or houses used for sheltering may also be confiscated.

Authorities emphasize that such activities are considered major crimes warranting arrest. The Ministry urges citizens to report any violations by calling designated numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions; and either 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

With inputs from SPA