Kingdom's Crackdown Finds 19,662 Residency, Work, Border Security Violations

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has recently concluded a series of inspection campaigns across the Kingdom, aimed at ensuring adherence to residency, work, and border security regulations. Conducted between April 25 and May 1, these inspections have led to the discovery of 19,662 violations, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to enforce law and order.

The breakdown of the violations recorded is as follows: 12,436 related to residency regulations, 4,464 to border security, and 2,762 concerning labor laws. These figures underscore the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining compliance with the country's strict regulatory framework.

In a significant operation against illegal immigration, 1,233 individuals were caught attempting to cross into the Kingdom unlawfully. The majority of these were Ethiopians (65%), followed by Yemenis (31%), with the remaining 4% comprising various other nationalities. Additionally, 96 individuals were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom without proper authorization.

The campaigns also targeted those facilitating illegal activities, resulting in the arrest of nine people involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators of residence, work, and border security laws.

Currently, there are 53,084 violative expatriates undergoing procedures for regulation enforcement. This group includes 48,583 males and 4,501 females. A significant portion of those apprehended for non-compliance has been processed for repatriation; 44,524 were directed to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, 2,952 were advised to finalize their travel reservations, and 15,200 have already been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against anyone aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom or providing assistance to violators of residency, work, and border security laws. Such offenses may attract penalties including up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Furthermore, assets used in these illegal activities, such as vehicles for transport or properties used for sheltering violators, are subject to confiscation.

Emphasizing the gravity of these crimes and the government's commitment to combating them, the ministry has called upon the public to report any suspected violations. Citizens and residents can make reports by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.

This comprehensive approach by the Saudi Ministry of Interior reflects its dedication to upholding law and order within the country. By rigorously enforcing residency, work, and border security regulations, Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to ensure a safe and regulated environment for its citizens and residents alike.

With inputs from SPA