Saudi Arabia Records 11,819 Residency, Labor and Border Violations in Weeklong Campaign
RIYADH, Oct 3 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi authorities recorded 11,819 residency, labor and border security violations during nationwide inspections carried out between September 24 and 30, the Ministry of Interior said.
The total included 5,793 residency violations, 3,307 border security cases and 2,719 breaches of labor regulations.
Authorities also detained 1,382 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 61% were Ethiopian nationals, 38% Yemeni and 1% from other nationalities.
Another 32 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Security agencies detained 19 people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals in breach of residency and border regulations.
The ministry said 32,139 expatriates are currently undergoing enforcement procedures, including 29,934 men and 2,205 women.
Among those being processed, 19,893 were instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, while 4,091 were directed to arrange their departure. Authorities repatriated 9,992 people during the period.
Saudi law provides penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of as much as SAR1 million for facilitating illegal entry, transport or shelter. Vehicles and properties used in such offences may also be confiscated.
The Interior Ministry urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
