Saudi Ministry Uncovers Nearly 20,000 Violations in Nationwide Residency and Labour Law Sweep

The Ministry of Interior carried out inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia from August 8 to 14, targeting compliance with residency, labour and border security regulations.

The inspections uncovered a total of 19,989 violations, with 12,608 related to residency laws, 4,519 to border security and 2,862 to labour laws.

During the campaign, authorities apprehended 913 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 32 per cent were identified as Yemenis, 65 per cent as Ethiopians, and 3 per cent from other nationalities.

In addition, 34 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. Nine people were detained for their involvement in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of violators.

Currently, 15,803 expatriates, including 14,491 men and 1,312 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Of those detained, 5,028 individuals have been instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation, 2,955 were directed to make travel arrangements, and 11,361 have already been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning, stating that anyone facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting, sheltering, or assisting such individuals may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million.

Vehicles used for transportation or properties used for shelter may also be confiscated. The ministry emphasised that these acts are considered serious crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

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