Over 14,900 Residency, Labor, Border Violations Recorded

In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between July 16 and 22 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 14,970 violations, including 7,437 related to residency, 3,991 to border security, and 3,542 to labor laws.
 Border authorities apprehended 1,626 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 37% Yemenis, 62% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 33 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
 A total of 18 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested.
 A total of 30,546 expatriates, including 28,557 men and 1,989 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
 Meanwhile, 17,747 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 6,113 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,251 were repatriated.
 The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
 The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.