Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior recorded 18,877 violations of residency, labour and border security laws during inspection campaigns conducted between 18 December and 24 December, according to official figures.
The violations comprised 11,991 residency-related offences, 3,808 border security breaches and 3,078 labour law contraventions. Border authorities apprehended 1,312 individuals attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally, with Ethiopians accounting for 55 per cent of those detained, Yemenis representing 44 per cent and other nationalities making up one per cent.
A further 46 people were arrested for attempting to leave the country illegally.
Kingdom tightens crackdown on law violators
Authorities arrested 14 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering or employing violators during the week-long campaign. The ministry confirmed that 28,937 expatriates, including 27,259 men and 1,678 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.
Some 20,378 individuals were detained for violating regulations and instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. An additional 4,465 were advised to make travel arrangements, whilst 13,241 people were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into Saudi Arabia, transports them within its territory or provides them with shelter, assistance or other services 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 emphasised that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of Saudi Arabia.
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