Saudi Arabia Records 15,430 Residency, Labor and Border Violations in One Week
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RIYADH, July 12, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Saudi authorities recorded 15,430 residency, labor and border security violations during inspection campaigns conducted across the Kingdom from July 2 to 8, the Ministry of Interior said.
The total included 7,913 residency violations, 4,037 border security violations and 3,480 breaches of labor regulations.
Border authorities apprehended 1,542 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Ethiopians accounted for 53% of the total, Yemenis for 46% and other nationalities for 1%.
Authorities also arrested 30 people attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally and 27 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering or employing violators.
A total of 29,286 expatriates — 27,127 men and 2,159 women — are currently undergoing procedures related to the enforcement of the regulations.
The ministry said 17,353 people detained for regulatory violations were instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain valid travel documents. Another 5,438 were directed to arrange their departure, while 11,800 people were repatriated.
The ministry warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into Saudi Arabia or provides violators with transportation, accommodation, assistance or other services could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of as much as SAR1 million.
Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to accommodate them may also be confiscated.
The ministry described such offenses as major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
