Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between March 6 and March 12 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.

A total of 23,865 violations were recorded, including 16,644 related to residency, 3,896 to border security, and 3,325 to labor laws.

Authorities intercepted 1,432 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, of whom 29% were Yemenis, 67% Ethiopians, and 4% from other nationalities. Additionally, 97 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

Thirteen individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were also arrested.

Currently, 39,976 expatriates (36,307 men and 3,669 women) are undergoing procedures for enforcement of regulations. Of these, 32,825 have been detained and instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation, 2,311 have been directed to arrange their departures, and 10,331 have been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that facilitating illegal entry, transporting, sheltering, or providing assistance to violators could result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR 1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.