Riyadh: In inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between December 18 and 24 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior recorded 18,877 violations, including 11,991 related to residency, 3,808 to border security, and 3,078 to labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,312 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 44% Yemenis, 55% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. They also arrested 46 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

According to Saudi Press Agency, a total of 14 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators were arrested. A total of 28,937 expatriates, including 27,259 men and 1,678 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Meanwhile, 20,378 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 4,465 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,241 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or other service 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 constitute major crimes that warrant 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.