Riyadh: The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between April 24 and 30 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the inspections yielded significant results across the Kingdom with 17,153 violations recorded. These included 10,305 related to residency, 3,644 to border security, and 3,204 to labor laws. The ministry's efforts were aimed at maintaining the integrity of the Kingdom's legal and security frameworks.

The inspections also led to the apprehension of 1,109 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 35% were identified as Yemenis, 62% as Ethiopians, and 3% from other nationalities. Additionally, 76 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. In a further crackdown, 13 individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators were also arrested.

Currently, a total of 28,706 expatriates, comprising 27,022 men and 1,684 women, are undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Out of these, 20,537 individuals were detained for violating laws and have been instructed to contact their respective countries' embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documentation. Meanwhile, 2,484 have been told to make booking arrangements for their departure, and 15,402 have already been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that anyone facilitating the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, including transporting or providing shelter, may face severe penalties. These penalties include up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million. Additionally, vehicles used for transport or houses used for shelter may be confiscated. The ministry emphasized that such acts are considered major crimes that warrant arrest.

The ministry urges the public to report any violations by contacting the appropriate authorities via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.