Saudi Arabia Reports Over 9,600 Violations Of Residency And Labour Laws In Recent Inspections

Between June 5 and June 11, the Ministry of Interior carried out inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia. These operations aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded a total of 9,639 violations. These included 5,625 breaches of residency laws, 2,797 related to border security, and 1,217 concerning labour regulations.

In addition to these violations, attempts to cross the border illegally were noted. A total of 1,117 individuals tried to enter the Kingdom without permission. Among them, 28% were identified as Yemenis and 72% as Ethiopians. Furthermore, authorities detained 35 people attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

The Ministry has taken action against those aiding illegal activities. Ten individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators were apprehended. Currently, procedures are underway for enforcing regulations on 14,402 expatriates. This group includes 13,364 men and 1,038 women.

Of those detained for law violations, 8,630 individuals have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documentation. Additionally, 840 people have been advised to arrange their departure bookings. Meanwhile, a total of 7,657 individuals have already been repatriated.

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

The Ministry emphasised that these actions are serious crimes warranting arrest. It also encourages 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