Riyadh: In a comprehensive effort to ensure adherence to residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior reported a total of 22,072 violations during inspection campaigns conducted across the Kingdom between July 31 and August 6. The violations included 13,833 related to residency, 4,624 to border security, and 3,615 to labor laws.

According to Saudi Press Agency, border authorities apprehended 1,640 individuals attempting to illegally cross into the Kingdom. Among those detained, 35% were identified as Yemenis, 64% as Ethiopians, and 1% were from other nationalities. Additionally, 48 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

The operations also resulted in the arrest of 37 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Furthermore, 23,630 expatriates, consisting of 20,601 men and 3,029 women, are currently in the process of undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 16,162 individuals were detained for violating regulations and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to secure proper travel documents. Of these, 3,136 were advised to arrange travel plans, and 11,058 individuals were successfully repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning about the consequences for facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom. Those found guilty of transporting, sheltering, or assisting violators may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. In addition, vehicles used for transport and properties used for sheltering may be confiscated.

The ministry highlighted that these actions are major crimes warranting arrest and urged citizens to report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.