21,000 violators of residency and border security regulations were apprehended in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint field campaigns conducted by various security sectors across the Kingdom, which resulted in the apprehension of a large number of violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These efforts are part of ongoing security operations to track down violators and enforce the law against them. The statistics cover the period from February 26 to March 4, reflecting the vigilance of security personnel and the effectiveness of the field plans.
A comprehensive and sustainable security strategy
These campaigns are not merely routine procedures, but rather part of a comprehensive national strategy adopted by the Kingdom to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market. These ongoing efforts aim to eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented and illegal workers, which can create a breeding ground for crime or negatively impact the national economy. The announced figures reflect the determination of the relevant authorities to implement the principle of "a nation without violators" by intensifying the security presence in all regions, cities, and governorates to ensure full compliance with the state's sovereign laws and regulations.
Details of statistics on apprehending violators of residency and border regulations
Official data revealed that a total of 21,022 violators were apprehended during joint security field campaigns. These violations spanned various regulations, including 15,038 residency violations, 3,484 border security violations, and 2,500 labor law violations. These detailed figures demonstrate the campaigns' strong focus on all regulatory aspects related to community safety and security.
Attempts to cross the border and cover up
Regarding border security, statistics show that a total of 1,466 people were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom. Yemenis constituted the largest group at 32%, followed by Ethiopians at 67%, while other nationalities accounted for 1%. Additionally, 33 individuals were apprehended for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. As for those involved in facilitating these violations, 15 individuals were arrested for transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations.
The economic and social dimensions of the campaigns
These security operations are of paramount importance, extending far beyond direct security measures. They effectively contribute to protecting the national economy from commercial concealment and unfair competition caused by the presence of undocumented workers. Furthermore, apprehending residency violators enhances social stability and reduces crime rates associated with individuals of unknown identity. Clearing the market of undocumented workers paves the way for job creation and provides a safe and attractive investment environment, positively impacting the quality of life for both citizens and legal residents.
Regulatory procedures and deterrent penalties
A large number of violators are currently undergoing procedures to enforce the regulations. The total number of those subject to these procedures is 21,178, including 19,665 men and 1,513 women. Of these, 13,854 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,187 have been referred to complete their travel arrangements, and 8,511 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warning that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them within the Kingdom, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service whatsoever, will be subject to penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering them, and public shaming. This crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest and is a breach of honor and integrity.
The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and report any violations to the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
