Saudi Arabia has detained over 19,000 individuals within a week over residency related violations. The crackdown, carried out by the country’s security forces, targeted violators across all regions of the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Interior focused on apprehending individuals involved in various infringements, including violations of residency rules, border security breaches, and labor law offenses.
A total of 11,987 individuals were found to violate residency regulations, while 4,367 individuals were implicated in border security violations.
Around 2,696 individuals were apprehended for labor law violations.
The security personnel thwarted the illegal entry of 1,011 individuals into the Kingdom.
The majority of those attempting to enter illegally were Ethiopians (61%), followed by Yemenis (36%), and individuals from other nationalities (3%).
The efforts also led to the arrest of 18 individuals accused of aiding violators by transporting, sheltering, or employing them illegally.
A total of 56,597 violators, including 4,445 women, are undergoing legal proceedings.
The Ministry of Interior has taken several actions in response to the crackdown.
They referred 47,582 individuals to their respective diplomatic missions for travel documents, arranged travel for 3,599 individuals, and deported 12,250 individuals.
The ministry emphasized the severe penalties for individuals involved in facilitating or participating in illegal border crossings.
These penalties include up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles and properties used in the commission of these crimes.
The Ministry of Interior categorizes these offenses as major crimes that impact public honor and integrity.
They urge the public to report any suspected violations through designated emergency contacts across the Kingdom.
