In the last week, Saudi security forces have arrested over 20,000 illegal residents in various regions of the Kingdom. This was done during joint field security campaigns in collaboration with relevant government agencies. The arrests included violators of the Residency Law, Border Security Law, and Labor Law. A significant number of those arrested were attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom, with a majority being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. In addition, individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were also arrested. Expatriates undergoing legal procedures face punitive measures, including deportation. The Ministry of Interior has issued warnings and penalties for those involved in facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom.
A total of 20,778 illegal residents were arrested in various regions of Saudi Arabia during a joint field security campaign in collaboration with relevant government agencies. Among those arrested, 11,523 were violators of the Residency Law, 5,711 were violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,544 were violators of the Labor Law. The Ministry of Interior reported that 1,569 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom, with a significant number being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. Additionally, 63 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. Fifteen individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were also arrested.
Currently, 20,363 expatriates, including 17,915 men and 2,448 women, are undergoing various phases of legal procedures as part of punitive measures against them. 12,138 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,128 were referred to complete their travel reservations. 9,254 violators have been deported back to their home countries. The Ministry of Interior has issued warnings that individuals facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering violators may also be confiscated.
In response to the increasing number of illegal residents in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Interior has urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. This crackdown on illegal residents is part of the government’s efforts to maintain security and regulate the residency status of individuals in the Kingdom. By taking strict measures against violators and those facilitating illegal entry, the government aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens and residents.
The joint field security campaigns conducted by Saudi security forces have been successful in identifying and apprehending a significant number of illegal residents in the Kingdom. By working closely with relevant government agencies, the Ministry of Interior has been able to target violators of the Residency Law, Border Security Law, and Labor Law. The arrests, which include individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom and those involved in facilitating illegal entry, demonstrate the government’s commitment to enforcing laws and regulations related to residency and border security.
Expatriates found to be in violation of the law are undergoing legal procedures, with a focus on deportation for those who do not have valid residency permits. The Ministry of Interior’s warnings and penalties for individuals facilitating illegal entry serve as a deterrent against such activities. By encouraging the public to report violations, the government is taking proactive steps to address the issue of illegal residents and maintain the security and integrity of the Kingdom’s borders. Through these measures, the government aims to protect the rights and interests of its citizens and residents, while upholding the rule of law and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
