A citizen was arrested in Asir for transporting 17 illegal immigrants: Penalties under the Border Security Law

As part of the ongoing security efforts undertaken by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and its various sectors to combat violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, the patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region were able to thwart an operation to transport a group of violators, and arrest the citizen involved in this case.

In detail, security patrols apprehended a Saudi citizen who was transporting 17 individuals in violation of border security regulations in a vehicle he was driving. The violators were found to be of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationalities. All parties were immediately detained and initial legal procedures were initiated against them. The violators were referred to the relevant authorities, while the citizen who transported them was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and the application of deterrent penalties.

Strict penalties for smugglers who violate border security

The official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen reiterated the warning against the dangers of facilitating the entry or transport of those violating the Kingdom's border security regulations, providing them with shelter, or offering them any form of assistance or service. He emphasized that these actions constitute serious crimes warranting arrest, and violate honor and integrity, subjecting the perpetrators to severe penalties, including:

• Imprisonment for up to (15) years.
• A financial penalty of up to one million Saudi riyals.
• Confiscation of the means of transport and the accommodation used for sheltering.
• Publicly shaming the perpetrator to serve as a lesson to others.

The importance of border security and its national impact

This security operation is part of a comprehensive strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance internal security and protect its borders from infiltration and smuggling. These efforts are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on security, economic, and social stability. Combating border security violations contributes to:

First, to protect society from the security and criminal risks that may arise from the presence of unidentified individuals not subject to official regulations. Second, to regulate the labor market and ensure that informal employment does not negatively impact job opportunities and the national economy. Third, to strengthen the rule of law and enforce the authority of the state throughout its territory.

Saudi security agencies operate according to an integrated system and high coordination between different sectors to control the borders and pursue networks that engage in human smuggling, which reflects the constant vigilance of security men in various regions, especially the southern border regions such as Asir and Jazan.

Official reporting channels

Security authorities have called on all citizens and residents to cooperate by reporting any suspected cases of violations related to residency, labor, and border security regulations, emphasizing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality. Reports can be made via the following numbers:

• The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Madinah.
• The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.