Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior intensifies crackdown on law violations

Translate In Arabic

The Saudi Ministry of Interior conducted extensive inspection campaigns from November 7 to November 13 to enforce compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws. These efforts resulted in the identification of 20,124 violations across the Kingdom, including 11,607 residency breaches, 5,285 border security offenses, and 3,232 labor law violations.

Among the violators, 1,401 individuals were apprehended attempting to cross the Kingdom’s borders illegally, with 39% of them being Yemenis, 60% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 98 individuals were detained for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

The Ministry arrested six people for facilitating illegal activities, including transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 21,267 expatriates (18,508 men and 2,759 women) are undergoing legal procedures, with many instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documentation. During the campaign, 13,354 individuals were detained, 3,096 were asked to make travel arrangements, and 10,458 were repatriated.

The Ministry emphasized strict penalties for those aiding violators, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or houses used for illegal activities. Citizens are urged to report violations via emergency numbers: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in other areas.

This campaign reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring law enforcement, securing its borders, and upholding the nation's legal framework.