Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between October 2 and 8 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 21,403 violations, including 12,439 related to residency, 4,650 to border security, and 4,314 to labor laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,874 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, with 45% identified as Yemenis, 54% as Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 36 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 29 people were apprehended for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators.

A total of 31,344 expatriates, comprising 29,840 men and 1,504 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 23,824 individuals were detained for violating regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. An additional 2,764 individuals were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,849 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior issued a warning that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, or those transporting, sheltering, or assisting them in any way, may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.