The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has recently announced the arrest of 22,993 illegal residents across various regions in the country. These arrests were made as part of joint field security campaigns conducted by security forces and government agencies between Oct. 3 and Oct. 9. Out of the total number of individuals arrested, 14,269 were found to be violating the Residency Law, 5,230 were violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,494 were in violation of the Labor Law. Additionally, 1,378 individuals were apprehended while trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, with the majority being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals.
In addition to those illegally crossing the border, 80 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. Furthermore, 19 individuals who were involved in facilitating the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators were also arrested. Currently, 15,136 expatriates, including both men and women, are undergoing legal procedures as part of punitive measures. Out of this group, 7,211 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,381 have been directed to complete their travel reservations, and 11,907 have been deported back to their home countries.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning stating that individuals found guilty of aiding in the illegal entry, transportation, sheltering, or employment of violators may face severe penalties. This includes up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Additionally, any vehicles or properties used for these illegal activities may be confiscated. The ministry has emphasized the importance of the public’s cooperation in reporting any instances of violations. Citizens are encouraged to call the emergency hotline numbers 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
These recent security campaigns and arrests highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its borders and upholding its laws. The crackdown on illegal residents, traffickers, and facilitators aims to ensure the safety and security of the country and its citizens. By actively pursuing and apprehending violators of immigration and labor laws, Saudi Arabia is sending a strong message that unlawful activities will not be tolerated. The Ministry of Interior’s efforts to enforce these laws help protect the rights of legal residents and maintain order within the country.
The high number of arrests made during the past week indicates the scale of the issue of illegal immigration and residency in Saudi Arabia. With thousands of individuals being apprehended, it is evident that there is a significant challenge in controlling and preventing unauthorized entry and stay in the country. The involvement of various government agencies and security forces in these field campaigns demonstrates a coordinated effort to address this issue comprehensively.
As part of the legal procedures being followed for the arrested individuals, the Ministry of Interior is working closely with diplomatic missions to ensure the proper documentation and repatriation of violators. By deporting those found to be in violation of immigration laws, the Kingdom is reinforcing its commitment to enforcing legal and orderly migration processes. These measures not only serve to uphold the rule of law but also to safeguard national security and maintain the social and economic stability of the country.
