In a concerted effort to uphold residency, labour, and border security laws, Saudi Arabia apprehended approximately 16,790 individuals over the course of a week. The joint field campaigns, executed by various security units across the Kingdom from October 5 to 11, targeted violators of legal regulations.
The arrests encompassed 10,177 individuals in breach of residency provisions, 4,523 contravening border security rules, and 2,090 infringing upon labour laws. Additionally, 709 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom, with 63% originating from Yemen, 34% from Ethiopia, and 3% from other nationalities. Notably, 86 violators were intercepted while endeavoring to leave Saudi Arabia via the border.
Nineteen individuals engaged in aiding and abetting violators of residency and employment statutes, including those involved in covert activities, were also detained.
Presently, 45,724 individuals are undergoing due process for regulatory violations, with 38,040 being male and 7,684 female. Among them, 39,941 have been directed to their respective diplomatic missions for travel documentation, while 1,750 have been guided to finalize travel arrangements. Additionally, 8,745 individuals have been deported.
The Ministry of Interior underlines that anyone found facilitating the entry of an infiltrator into the Kingdom, providing transportation, shelter, or any form of assistance or service, will be subject to penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of SR1 million. Furthermore, means of transportation and accommodation may be confiscated as part of the punitive measures.
