The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has announced the arrest of 21,370 illegal residents during a week-long joint security campaign. These arrests were made in collaboration with various government agencies between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30. The majority of those arrested were violators of the Residency Law, Border Security Law, and Labor Law. Additionally, a significant number of individuals were apprehended while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom, with a large percentage being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. Those who were found to be involved in aiding and abetting these violators were also arrested.
As part of the legal procedures, a total of 17,543 expatriates, including both men and women, are currently undergoing various phases of punishment. This includes being referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, completing travel reservations, and ultimately being deported. The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that anyone found facilitating illegal entry or transportation of individuals into the Kingdom will face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles and houses used for transportation or shelter may be confiscated.
To prevent further violations, the ministry has urged the public to report any instances of illegal activity by calling emergency numbers such as 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. By cracking down on illegal residents and those who aid them, the Saudi government is sending a clear message that violations of residency, border security, and labor laws will not be tolerated. This concerted effort to enforce the law and maintain security in the Kingdom is aimed at protecting the interests of legal residents and upholding the rule of law.
The recent crackdown on illegal residents in Saudi Arabia highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its borders. By removing individuals who do not have the legal right to reside in the Kingdom, authorities are taking proactive measures to address the issue of illegal immigration. The Ministry of Interior’s joint field security campaigns have been instrumental in identifying and apprehending violators, sending a strong signal that violations of immigration laws will not go unpunished.
The significant number of arrests made during the security campaigns underscores the scale of the challenge posed by illegal residents in Saudi Arabia. With thousands of individuals found to be in violation of various laws, including residency, border security, and labor regulations, it is evident that a comprehensive approach is needed to address this issue. By targeting not only the illegal residents themselves but also those who facilitate their entry and employment, the government is aiming to disrupt the networks that enable illegal immigration.
In addition to the punitive measures taken against illegal residents, the Ministry of Interior is also working to prevent future violations by raising public awareness and encouraging citizens to report any instances of illegal activity. By providing emergency contact numbers and urging the public to be vigilant, authorities are enlisting the support of the community in maintaining security across the Kingdom. This proactive approach underscores the importance of cooperation between government agencies and the public in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of Saudi society.
