Inspection Results: From August 8 to August 14, 2024, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior recorded 19,989 violations, including 12,608 residency, 4,519 border security, and 2,862 labor law violations.
Border Security and Arrests: The inspections uncovered 913 individuals attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, with 34 arrested for attempting illegal exit. Additionally, nine individuals were detained for facilitating illegal activities.
Enforcement and Reporting: The Ministry warns that aiding illegal entry can lead to severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SAR 1 million. The public is encouraged to report violations via designated hotlines: 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 elsewhere.
Riyadh, August 18, 2024 – The Ministry of Interior has carried out a series of inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia from August 8 to August 14, 2024, aimed at enforcing compliance with residency, labor, and border security regulations. These comprehensive inspections have yielded significant results, reflecting the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to upholding the Kingdom’s laws and ensuring national security.
During this period, a total of 19,989 violations were recorded nationwide. This includes 12,608 violations related to residency laws, 4,519 violations concerning border security, and 2,862 violations of labor regulations. The inspections revealed a substantial number of non-compliance issues, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
In terms of border security, the inspections identified 913 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 32% were Yemenis, 65% were Ethiopians, and 3% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 34 individuals were apprehended for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. The Ministry also arrested nine individuals involved in the illegal transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators, emphasizing the Ministry’s strict stance against those who facilitate unlawful activities.
Currently, 15,803 expatriates (comprising 14,491 men and 1,312 women) are undergoing procedures to address their regulatory status. Out of the total, 5,028 individuals have been detained for violating laws and have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Among these, 2,955 have been directed to make arrangements for their departure, while 11,361 individuals have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against activities that facilitate illegal entry into the Kingdom. Individuals found guilty of aiding illegal entrants, transporting them within the country, providing shelter, or offering any form of assistance could face severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used for such activities.
The Ministry emphasizes that such offenses are considered major crimes and will be dealt with accordingly. It has also called upon the public to report any violations or suspicious activities. In the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, reports can be made by calling 911, while in other parts of the Kingdom, the numbers 999 and 996 are available for reporting violations.
This proactive approach reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure security, uphold the law, and maintain the integrity of the Kingdom’s borders and regulatory systems.