In a recent joint field security campaign carried out by Saudi security forces in collaboration with relevant government agencies, a total of 23,194 illegal residents were arrested across various regions of the Kingdom. The arrests took place between Dec. 19 and Dec. 25 and targeted violators of the Residency Law, Border Security Law, and Labor Law. Of those arrested, 1,536 individuals were trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, with 41 percent being Yemeni nationals, 57 percent Ethiopian nationals, and two percent belonging to other nationalities. Additionally, 57 people were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally and 23 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were also taken into custody. Currently, 31,139 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures as part of punitive measures against them.
Among the measures taken by the Ministry of Interior, 21,843 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 4,025 have been referred to complete travel reservations, and 9,904 have been deported. The Ministry has issued a warning against facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, stating that those involved may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering illegal residents will also be confiscated. To combat such activities, the ministry has encouraged the public to report any violations by calling the emergency numbers 911, 999, or 996 in different regions of the Kingdom, depending on the severity of the situation.
The crackdown on illegal residents is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enforce its laws and regulations, particularly in matters related to residency, border security, and labor. By conducting joint field security campaigns and collaborating with various government agencies, Saudi security forces are able to identify and apprehend individuals who are in violation of the law. The significant number of arrests made during the last week highlights the seriousness with which the authorities are tackling this issue and sending a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
The breakdown of the arrests by nationality also sheds light on the demographics of illegal residents in the Kingdom, with a large number of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals among those apprehended. This data provides valuable insight for authorities to understand and address the root causes of illegal immigration and take appropriate measures to prevent future violations. By targeting individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators, law enforcement agencies are able to disrupt the networks facilitating illegal activities and hold accountable those who are complicit in these crimes.
As the legal procedures against the 31,139 expatriates continue, the Ministry of Interior remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the security and well-being of all residents in the Kingdom. Through ongoing monitoring, enforcement efforts, and public engagement, the authorities aim to strengthen border security, combat illegal immigration, and deter individuals from engaging in unlawful activities. By reporting violations and cooperating with law enforcement, the public plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts and maintaining the safety and integrity of the Kingdom.
