Illegal residents in Saudi Arabia are facing a crackdown as the Ministry of Interior officials conducted inspection raids across all regions of the country. In a span of just one week, a staggering 17,616 individuals were arrested for various violations, including residency, border security, and labor laws. The joint field security campaigns conducted by security forces and government agencies from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21, 2024, have resulted in a significant number of arrests, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding the law.
Among the arrests made, 11,022 individuals were found in violation of the Residency Law, 4,216 violated the Border Security Law, and 2,378 violated the Labor Law. Notably, 883 people were apprehended while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia, with a major portion consisting of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. Additionally, 68 individuals were caught trying to leave the Kingdom illegally. The crackdown also targeted those involved in facilitating illegal activities, with 15 individuals arrested for transporting, sheltering, and employing violators.
Currently, a total of 14,542 expatriates, including both men and women, are undergoing legal procedures as part of punitive measures against them. Among these individuals, 5,926 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 2,070 others have been directed to complete their travel reservations. Furthermore, 13,952 violators have already been deported from the country. The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against individuals who aid in the illegal entry, transportation, sheltering, or employment of violators, emphasizing severe penalties for such actions.
In response to the crackdown, the Ministry of Interior has urged the public to report any instances of violation by contacting the designated emergency numbers in different regions of the country. In regions like Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, individuals can call 911, while the numbers 999 and 996 are designated for reporting violations in other regions of Saudi Arabia. This call for public cooperation underscores the importance of collective efforts in maintaining law and order in the country, as authorities strive to eliminate illegal residency and border crossings.
The recent surge in arrests highlights the government’s commitment to addressing issues related to illegal residency and border security, with a focus on enforcing existing laws and regulations. By conducting joint field security campaigns and collaborating with various government agencies, authorities have demonstrated a proactive approach towards maintaining law and order in the country. The decisive actions taken against violators, including deportation and legal procedures, send a clear message that violations will not be tolerated, and individuals found guilty will face strict penalties.
As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its border security and immigration controls, the recent crackdown serves as a reminder of the consequences of flouting residency and labor laws. The involvement of various nationalities in these violations underscores the complexity of the issue, requiring a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of illegal residency. By encouraging public participation in reporting violations and implementing stringent penalties for offenders, the government aims to deter illegal activities and uphold the rule of law across the Kingdom. Overall, the recent arrests signal a firm stance against illegal residency and border crossings, as authorities work towards ensuring the safety and security of the country’s borders.
