The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has reported the arrest of 19,710 illegal residents during the first week of May. These arrests were made during joint security campaigns carried out by security forces and government agencies in all regions of the Kingdom. The arrested individuals included violators of the Residency Law, Border Security Law, and Labor Law. A total of 979 people were arrested while trying to cross the border into Saudi Arabia, with the majority being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. Additionally, 46 people were arrested while attempting to cross the borders out of the Kingdom illegally.
Furthermore, 12 individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing illegal residents. The Ministry of Interior stated that a total of 49,407 expatriates are currently under legal procedures for violations, including both men and women. Of these, 40,391 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,016 were referred to complete their travel reservations. Additionally, 13,383 violators were deported as a result of their illegal residency status.
The Ministry of Interior issued a warning that anyone found facilitating the entry of violators into Saudi Arabia, providing them with transportation, shelter, or any form of assistance, would face severe penalties. These penalties include up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of any means of transportation or housing used for accommodating the illegal residents. Furthermore, the names of those found guilty will be publicized in the local media at their own expense.
In order to combat illegal residency and border security violations, the Ministry of Interior urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the emergency numbers 911, 999, and 996 across the Kingdom. By encouraging citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, the Ministry aims to maintain the integrity of the country’s borders and uphold the laws related to residency and labor regulations.
Overall, the recent crackdown on illegal residents in Saudi Arabia highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing border security and residency laws. Through joint security campaigns and public cooperation, authorities are working towards identifying and apprehending violators, as well as those who aid them. By taking strict legal measures against offenders, the Ministry of Interior aims to deter future violations and uphold the rule of law in the Kingdom.
