Between August 15 and August 21, 2024, the Ministry of Interior conducted inspections resulting in 17,616 violations, including breaches of residency, labor, and border security laws.
During the inspections, 883 individuals were apprehended for illegal border crossings, and 15 people were arrested for transporting and sheltering violators.
The Ministry warned that those facilitating illegal entry, transport, or assistance to violators could face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SAR 1 million, and confiscation of involved vehicles or properties.
Riyadh, August 25, 2024 — Between August 15 and August 21, 2024, the Ministry of Interior undertook comprehensive inspection campaigns throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enforce compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws. These inspections were part of a broader effort to ensure national security and uphold legal standards.
During the inspection period, authorities recorded a total of 17,616 violations across the Kingdom. This included 11,022 infractions related to residency laws, 4,216 breaches of border security regulations, and 2,378 violations of labor laws. The enforcement measures also addressed illegal border crossings, with 883 individuals apprehended while attempting to enter the Kingdom unlawfully. The nationalities of these individuals were predominantly Yemeni (41%) and Ethiopian (58%), with the remaining 1% coming from other countries. Additionally, 68 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The inspection efforts also led to the arrest of 15 individuals involved in activities related to transporting, sheltering, and employing lawbreakers. Meanwhile, a total of 14,542 expatriates (comprising 13,471 men and 1,071 women) are currently undergoing procedures to ensure compliance with the Kingdom’s regulations.
In terms of immediate actions, 5,926 people were detained for violating laws and were instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documentation. Of these, 2,070 individuals were required to make arrangements for their departure, and 13,952 individuals were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against those who facilitate illegal entry into the Kingdom, provide transport, shelter, or any form of assistance to such individuals. Offenders may face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million, and possible confiscation of vehicles or properties used for these activities. The ministry has emphasized that such crimes are serious and will result in arrest.
For reporting violations, the Ministry of Interior encourages the public to use the following contact numbers: 911 for the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 for other parts of the Kingdom.