15,000 violators of residency and labor laws in Saudi Arabia have been apprehended
Saudi security forces continue their tireless efforts to enhance security and stability. Recent joint field campaigns have resulted in the apprehension of over 15,000 individuals violating residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom. These efforts are part of the Ministry of Interior's commitment to apprehending violators and rigorously enforcing regulations to protect society and the national economy.
The Kingdom's strategy in combating illegal immigration
Over the past decades, the Kingdom has faced ongoing challenges related to illegal immigration and border infiltration, due to its strategic geographic location connecting three continents, as well as its leading economic position, which makes it an attractive destination for job seekers. In response, Saudi Arabia has developed an integrated security system based on modern technologies and joint cooperation between various military and civilian sectors. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and stable environment, free from negative phenomena that could affect the social and economic fabric.
Details of arrests of violators of residency, labor and border security regulations
The official results of the field campaigns conducted between April 2nd and 8th revealed figures reflecting the scale of the efforts undertaken. A total of 15,458 violators were apprehended, distributed as follows: 8,440 violators of residency regulations, 4,054 violators of border security regulations, and 2,964 violators of labor regulations.
Regarding infiltration attempts, 1,600 people were prevented from crossing the border into the Kingdom. Ethiopian nationals constituted the largest group at 60%, followed by Yemeni nationals at 39%, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 47 people were prevented from leaving the Kingdom illegally. The arrests were not limited to infiltrators; 30 individuals involved in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal residents were also apprehended.
The relevant authorities are currently processing the cases of more than 40,184 undocumented migrants (including 35,861 men and 4,323 women) to enforce the regulations. 22,942 undocumented migrants have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while travel arrangements are being finalized for 11,221 others, and 7,392 have already been deported.
Security and economic dimensions of field campaigns
These security campaigns are of paramount importance, extending beyond the local level to encompass regional and international impacts. Locally, eliminating undocumented workers contributes to protecting the national economy from commercial concealment and the informal economy, and safeguards society from crimes linked to unemployment and irregular residency. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's rigorous border protection plays a pivotal role in combating organized crime networks and human trafficking gangs that exploit migrants, thereby enhancing the security and stability of the entire region.
Strict penalties for those who conceal information and methods of reporting
The Ministry of Interior is keen to raise awareness among citizens and residents about the dangers of cooperating with violators. It emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them within the country, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance, will be subject to severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of one million riyals, confiscation of vehicles and accommodations used in the crime, and public shaming of those involved.
These acts are classified as major crimes warranting arrest and considered breaches of honor and integrity. Security authorities urge everyone to promptly report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, to ensure the preservation of national security and resources.
