Riyadh: In a sweeping enforcement initiative across the Kingdom conducted from August 7 to 13, the Ministry of Interior identified 21,997 violations related to residency, labor, and border security laws. These violations comprised 13,434 residency-related offenses, 4,697 border security breaches, and 3,866 labor law infringements.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities arrested 1,787 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 35% were identified as Yemenis, 64% as Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 27 individuals were apprehended for attempting to exit the Kingdom without authorization.

Authorities also detained 18 individuals involved in activities such as transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Currently, 25,439 expatriates-22,837 men and 2,602 women-are undergoing procedures to ensure adherence to regulations.

During the same period, 18,149 individuals were held for regulatory violations and were instructed to engage with their respective embassies or consulates to secure appropriate travel documentation. Furthermore, 2,973 individuals were advised to arrange travel plans, while 12,861 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that facilitating illegal entry, transport, or shelter of individuals in the Kingdom could result in severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Assets such as vehicles and properties used for these purposes may also be seized.

The ministry reaffirmed that these actions are serious offenses warranting arrest and encouraged citizens to report violations by contacting 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.