Riyadh, October 19, 2024 – The Ministry of Interior conducted a series of nationwide inspection campaigns from October 10 to October 16, aimed at ensuring strict compliance with Saudi Arabia's residency, labor, and border security laws. These efforts are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to maintaining order and safeguarding its borders, as well as enforcing regulations related to expatriate labor and residency.
The results of these inspections revealed a total of 21,971 violations across the country. Of these, 13,186 were related to residency law infractions, 5,427 to breaches of border security, and 3,358 to violations of labor laws. These numbers highlight the scale of non-compliance the Ministry is addressing through its rigorous enforcement initiatives.
Additionally, the Ministry reported the apprehension of 1,421 individuals attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of this number, 34% were identified as Yemeni nationals, 64% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 2% belonged to other nationalities. Moreover, 53 individuals were arrested while trying to leave the Kingdom without proper documentation.
Eighteen people were taken into custody for their involvement in facilitating illegal activities, including transporting, sheltering, and employing violators of Saudi law. The Ministry emphasized the seriousness of these offenses, as those found guilty of facilitating illegal entry or providing assistance to violators could face severe penalties.
A significant number of expatriates are currently in the process of undergoing legal procedures to ensure their compliance with the Kingdom’s laws. A total of 15,775 expatriates, consisting of 13,885 men and 1,890 women, are awaiting the enforcement of relevant regulations. Of those detained, 8,370 individuals have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documentation, while 2,054 individuals were required to make departure arrangements. So far, 12,355 individuals have been successfully repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding the consequences of facilitating illegal activities. Any person found aiding or abetting illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, whether through transportation, shelter, or other forms of assistance, may face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the illegal activities. The Ministry has classified these violations as major crimes warranting arrest.
In its final remarks, the Ministry urged citizens and residents to report any observed violations by contacting the relevant authorities. In the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, violators can be reported via the 911 hotline, while the numbers 999 and 996 are available in other parts of the Kingdom.