The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia recently announced the arrest of 21,971 illegal residents during a week-long joint field security campaign. These arrests were made in collaboration with various government agencies between Oct. 10 and Oct. 16. Among those arrested, 13,186 were violators of the Residency Law, 5,427 were violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,358 were violators of the Labor Law. The majority of individuals arrested while trying to enter the Kingdom were Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals, with a small percentage belonging to other nationalities. In addition, 53 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The authorities also arrested 18 individuals who were involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of illegal residents. Currently, 15,775 expatriates, including both men and women, are undergoing legal procedures as part of punitive measures against them. A total of 8,370 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 2,054 have been referred to complete their travel reservations. Additionally, 12,355 violators have been deported back to their home countries.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning stating that anyone found facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transporting them within the country, providing shelter or any other form of assistance, may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transportation or houses used for sheltering illegal residents will be confiscated. The ministry has urged the public to report any violations by calling emergency numbers in different regions of the Kingdom.
The joint field security campaigns conducted by the Saudi security forces aim to crack down on illegal residents and enforce immigration laws in the country. The recent arrests highlight the government’s commitment to maintaining security and preserving the integrity of the nation’s borders. By collaborating with various government agencies, the Ministry of Interior is able to effectively identify, track, and apprehend individuals who violate residency, border security, and labor laws.
The significant number of arrests made during the past week showcases the scale of the issue of illegal residency in Saudi Arabia. The involvement of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals in attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally points to the challenges faced by individuals seeking better opportunities in the country. The actions taken by the authorities to deport violators and refer them to their diplomatic missions demonstrate the government’s efforts to address the issue in a systematic and lawful manner.
In conclusion, the recent arrests of illegal residents in Saudi Arabia serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding immigration laws and ensuring the security of the nation. By conducting joint field security campaigns and collaborating with government agencies, the Ministry of Interior is able to effectively enforce regulations and maintain order within the country. The public’s cooperation in reporting violations is essential in assisting the authorities in their efforts to combat illegal residency and protect the nation’s borders.
