Saudi Arabia Reports Over 20,688 Violations Of Residency And Labor Laws In Recent Inspections

Between April 10 and 16, the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia carried out inspection campaigns to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. These inspections led to the identification of 20,688 violations across the Kingdom. Specifically, there were 12,372 residency violations, 4,750 border security breaches, and 3,566 labour law infringements.

Attempting illegal entry into Saudi Arabia were 1,264 individuals. Among them, 36% were from Yemen, 61% from Ethiopia, and the remaining 3% from other nationalities. Additionally, authorities detained 93 people for trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

The Ministry has taken action against those facilitating illegal activities. Twenty-seven individuals were arrested for aiding violators by transporting, sheltering or employing them. The ministry has highlighted that such actions are considered major crimes warranting arrest.

Currently, procedures are underway for 32,417 expatriates (30,038 men and 2,379 women) to enforce regulations. Of these individuals, 24,811 have been detained for legal breaches and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates for travel documentation. Meanwhile, 2,936 have been advised to arrange their departure bookings.

A total of 12,235 expatriates have already been repatriated as part of these enforcement efforts. The Ministry emphasises that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into the Kingdom or provides assistance may face severe penalties.

The penalties include up to 15 years in prison and a fine reaching SAR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering violators may be confiscated as part of these measures.

Public Reporting Encouraged

The Ministry urges citizens to report any violations they observe. Residents in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions can call 911 while those in other parts of the Kingdom should dial either 999 or 996.

With inputs from SPA