Riyadh, December 22, 2024 – The Ministry of Interior has recently completed a series of intensive inspection campaigns across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conducted between December 12 and December 18, 2024. These operations were aimed at ensuring compliance with the Kingdom’s residency, labor, and border security laws, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and maintain national security. The results of the inspections, which covered a broad range of areas, revealed significant violations of immigration and labor regulations.
During the week-long inspections, a total of 20,159 violations were recorded across the Kingdom. Of these, 11,302 related to residency violations, 5,652 to breaches of border security laws, and 3,205 to labor law violations. These figures underscore the persistent challenges the country faces in maintaining strict compliance with its legal frameworks, particularly concerning expatriates and those attempting to enter or leave the Kingdom illegally.
One of the key findings was the arrest of 1,861 individuals who were attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. The majority of these individuals came from neighboring Yemen (33%) and Ethiopia (65%), with a small percentage (2%) from other nationalities. In addition to those attempting to illegally enter, 112 people were detained for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. The Ministry of Interior has consistently reiterated that such acts of illegal entry or exit are serious offenses and are met with strict legal actions.
Further highlighting the scale of the violations, the Ministry reported the arrest of 17 individuals involved in facilitating illegal immigration. These individuals were implicated in activities such as transporting, sheltering, and employing people in violation of residency and labor laws. Such offenses are considered grave, with penalties that could include up to 15 years in prison, hefty fines of up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the facilitation of these illegal activities.
Additionally, the Ministry provided details on the ongoing procedures for the 29,540 expatriates who were found to be in violation of the Kingdom’s regulations. Of these individuals, 26,411 were men, and 2,619 were women. They are currently undergoing the necessary procedures for enforcement. Specifically, 20,337 were detained for violating various laws and have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation. Meanwhile, 3,425 individuals were asked to arrange their departure from the Kingdom, and 9,461 expatriates have already been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning to anyone involved in facilitating the illegal entry or stay of individuals in the Kingdom. Individuals who engage in such activities—whether by transporting, sheltering, employing, or providing any form of assistance to violators—could face severe legal consequences, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of any vehicles or properties used in these offenses.
These rigorous measures reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of its borders and ensuring that all residents and visitors adhere to its laws. The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in combating these crimes. Citizens and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or violations by calling the designated emergency numbers—911 for the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 for other parts of the Kingdom.
In conclusion, the recent inspection campaigns demonstrate the Saudi government’s determined efforts to enforce its residency, labor, and border security laws. By strengthening border control measures, increasing awareness, and imposing stringent penalties for violations, the Kingdom aims to safeguard its national security and ensure that its laws are respected, ultimately contributing to a safer and more orderly society.