Violation Statistics: Between August 29 and September 4, the Ministry of Interior recorded 22,021 violations across residency, labor, and border security laws, including 14,508 residency breaches, 4,511 border security infractions, and 3,002 labor law violations.
Enforcement Actions: The inspections led to the apprehension of 998 individuals attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, 41 people attempting illegal exit, and 11 individuals involved in facilitating or sheltering violators. Additionally, 15,108 expatriates are undergoing regulatory procedures.
Penalties and Reporting: The Ministry has warned of severe penalties for those facilitating illegal activities, including up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SAR 1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties. The public is encouraged to report violations by calling 911 in major regions and 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Riyadh, September 7, 2024 — The Ministry of Interior has recently concluded a comprehensive series of inspection campaigns across the Kingdom, running from August 29 to September 4, aimed at ensuring strict adherence to residency, labor, and border security laws.
The rigorous inspections resulted in the identification of 22,021 violations nationwide. This figure includes 14,508 breaches related to residency regulations, 4,511 infractions concerning border security, and 3,002 violations of labor laws. Among the key findings, authorities discovered 998 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom unlawfully. Of these, 39% were identified as Yemeni nationals, 60% as Ethiopians, and the remaining 1% from other countries. Additionally, 41 individuals were apprehended for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
In a related operation, eleven individuals engaged in activities such as transporting, sheltering, or employing those in violation of the laws were arrested. Currently, 15,108 expatriates—comprising 13,996 men and 1,112 women—are undergoing regulatory procedures to ensure compliance with legal standards.
The inspection campaigns also led to the detention of 5,917 individuals who were instructed to liaise with their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Among these detainees, 2,249 were advised to arrange their departure from the Kingdom, while 11,242 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding the severe consequences for those involved in facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom. Individuals who assist with illegal entry, transport, shelter, or provide other forms of support to unauthorized persons face penalties that include imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines of up to SAR 1 million, and the potential confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these activities. The ministry has underscored that such offenses are regarded as serious crimes and will lead to arrest.
To address and report any violations, the Ministry of Interior urges the public to contact the appropriate emergency numbers: 911 for the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 for the rest of the Kingdom. This proactive approach reflects the ministry's ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the security and integrity of the Kingdom’s borders and regulations.