Saudi Arabia Apprehends Over 25,000 Violators Of Residency And Labor Laws In Recent Inspections

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recently carried out inspection campaigns from March 20 to March 26. These inspections aimed to ensure adherence to residency, labour, and border security laws. During this period, authorities recorded a total of 25,362 violations across the Kingdom. These included 18,504 breaches of residency laws, 4,004 related to border security, and 2,854 concerning labour regulations.

Attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom were 1,533 individuals. Among them, 30% were identified as Yemenis, 65% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 5% belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, authorities apprehended 62 people trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Currently, there are procedures underway for 36,251 expatriates who violated regulations. This group includes 34,729 men and 1,522 women. Of these violators, 27,576 have been detained and instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates for travel documentation.

Furthermore, arrangements for departure bookings were advised for 2,315 individuals. Meanwhile, authorities have already repatriated a total of 12,066 violators back to their home countries.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding the facilitation of illegal entry into Saudi Arabia. Those found guilty of transporting or sheltering such individuals face severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used in these activities may be confiscated.

Nine individuals involved in transporting or employing violators have been arrested. The Ministry emphasises that these actions are serious crimes warranting arrest.

Public Reporting Encouraged

The Ministry urges citizens to report any violations they observe. Residents in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions can call 911 for assistance. In other parts of the Kingdom, they should use numbers 999 or 996.

"Such acts are major crimes that warrant arrest," stated the Ministry. This highlights the seriousness with which Saudi authorities view these violations and their commitment to enforcing the law.

With inputs from SPA