Violators of residency and labor regulations apprehended: 23,000 arrested in one week
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market, Saudi security authorities announced the results of joint field campaigns that led to the apprehension 22,931 of residency, labor, and border security regulations in just one week. These campaigns, which cover all regions of the Kingdom, are part of a comprehensive national strategy to track down violators and enforce regulations against them, with the aim of maintaining social stability and protecting the nation's resources.
Details of the security campaigns and their results
The Ministry of Interior explained that the campaigns conducted between the 12th and 18th of this month revealed a large number of various violations. The number of violators apprehended was distributed as follows:
- 17,181 In violation of residency regulations.
- 3,931 In violation of border security regulations.
- 1,819 In violation of the work regulations.
Security operations also included monitoring border infiltration attempts, resulting in the apprehension of 1,635 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 29% were Yemeni nationals, 68% were Ethiopian, and the remainder were of other nationalities. Additionally, 40 individuals were apprehended attempting to leave the country illegally, and 36 were arrested for their involvement in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal residents.
Ongoing efforts to apprehend violators of residency and labor regulations
These campaigns are not isolated events, but rather an extension of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing efforts to regulate the labor market and address the issue of irregular employment. These measures align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a prosperous economy and a vibrant society, with regulating the labor market and ensuring border security being fundamental pillars for achieving these objectives. These ongoing campaigns, such as the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign launched in previous years, aim to create a safe and fair work environment and enhance security by reducing crimes associated with the presence of undocumented workers.
Positive impacts on security and the economy
Firm action against violations has strategic dimensions that extend beyond mere law enforcement. Economically, these campaigns contribute to curbing the informal economy, which harms the national economy, and ensure fair competition for legitimate businesses and institutions that adhere to the law. From a security perspective, border control and the pursuit of violators reduce potential security risks, including smuggling and organized crime, and enhance the sense of security for both citizens and legal residents.
Deterrent penalties and official warning
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security regulations into the Kingdom, or provides them with transportation, shelter, or any other form of assistance, will be subject to severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used in the crime, and public shaming of the perpetrator. The Ministry urged citizens and residents to report any violations via the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
