Penalty for transporting border security violators: 15 years imprisonment and a fine of one million riyals
The Saudi Ministry of Interior reiterated its firm and decisive warnings to anyone who might contemplate compromising national security by facilitating the entry of border violators into the Kingdom, transporting them within cities, providing them with shelter, or offering them any form of assistance or service. The Ministry emphasized in its statement that national security is a red line that will not be compromised, and that the law will be strictly enforced against anyone who violates the sovereign laws of the state.
Details of the severe and deterrent penalties
In its warning, the Ministry explained through its official platforms that the penalties for those involved in these crimes are among the most severe in the Saudi penal system due to the seriousness of the offense. Anyone who harbors or transports a violator of border security regulations faces harsh penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years and a hefty fine of up to one million Saudi riyals.
The penalties do not stop at imprisonment and fines, but extend to include deterrent follow-up measures, including confiscating the means of transport used in the crime, confiscating the residence that was specially prepared to house violators, in addition to defaming the criminal in the media to serve as a lesson to others, which reflects the state’s “iron fist” policy towards this sensitive issue.
Legal classification: Crime of moral turpitude
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that these actions are legally classified as "major crimes" warranting immediate arrest, and also fall under the category of crimes involving moral turpitude and breach of trust. This legal classification carries profound implications, confirming that the person harboring or transporting the illegal immigrant is not merely violating an administrative regulation, but is an active accomplice in threatening public safety and an enabler of any danger the infiltrating offender may pose to public security.
Context of security campaigns and organizational background
These stricter penalties are an extension of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts, spanning years, to regulate the labor market and maintain internal security, efforts that have been clearly manifested in the "A Nation Without Violators" campaigns. Through these measures, the Kingdom seeks to protect its geographical borders, preserve the demographic balance of its society, and ensure that everyone within its territory is subject to official regulations. These efforts are an integral part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing security and quality of life, and eliminating the informal economy fueled by undocumented and illegal workers.
Security, economic and social dimensions
The strict enforcement of these penalties stems from the grave negative consequences of border security violations. From a security standpoint, statistics and evidence indicate a strong correlation between border violators and the spread of criminal offenses such as drug trafficking, theft, and assault, due to the lack of official records on these individuals, making them difficult to track. Economically, harboring them harms the national economy and creates unfair competition for jobs from citizens and legal residents, making reporting them a national duty and a shared societal responsibility.
Reporting channels and national responsibility
The Ministry concluded its statement by calling on all citizens and residents to prioritize the national interest and fully cooperate with security authorities, emphasizing the principle that "the citizen is the first line of defense." It urged everyone to report any suspicious activity or violations by calling the unified number (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality to protect those who report them.
