21,000 violators of residency and labor laws were apprehended in Saudi Arabia in one week
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of its intensive joint field campaigns, which covered all regions of the Kingdom, aimed at enhancing security and regulating the labor market. These ongoing security efforts, conducted between February 26 and March 4, resulted in the apprehension of a significant number of violators, totaling 21,022 individuals, for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations.
Details of security seizures in numbers
Official data revealed a precise distribution of the cases that were detected, reflecting the comprehensiveness of the security campaigns in addressing various aspects of violations. The statistics were as follows:
- Violators of the residency system: They topped the list with 15,038 violators.
- Border security system violators: 3,484 violators were apprehended.
- Violators of the labor system: Their number reached 2,500 violators.
Regarding attempts to cross the border illegally, 1,466 people were apprehended while trying to enter the Kingdom. Yemenis constituted 32% of those apprehended, Ethiopians 67%, and the remaining 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, attempts by 33 individuals to leave the Kingdom illegally were thwarted.
General context and importance of security campaigns
These intensified campaigns come within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategy to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market. They are an extension of ongoing efforts aimed at eliminating the phenomenon of undocumented and illegal workers, which negatively impacts the national economy and social security. These measures are an integral part of the Kingdom's vision to ensure a safe and regulated environment, as these operations contribute to reducing crime rates, preventing commercial concealment, and guaranteeing the rights of both legal workers and employers.
The announced figures reflect the seriousness of the security authorities in implementing the slogan "A nation without violators," as the efforts are not limited to major cities but also include border areas, villages and rural settlements, to ensure the rule of law for all.
Regular procedures and strict penalties
The relevant authorities clarified that the total number of individuals currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations is 21,178 undocumented migrants, including 19,665 men and 1,513 women. Practical steps have been taken regarding them, including:
- 13,854 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
- 2,187 violators were referred to complete their travel arrangements.
- 8,511 violators were deported to their countries.
The arrests also included 15 people involved in the crimes of transporting, sheltering and employing violators, which is considered a cover-up that is severely punished by law.
Ministry of Interior warnings
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its strong warnings to anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them, or provides them with shelter. The Ministry emphasized that these actions constitute serious crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity, with penalties reaching:
- Imprisonment for up to 15 years.
- A financial penalty of up to one million riyals.
- Confiscation of the means of transport and the accommodation used for sheltering.
- Defaming those who disagree.
The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and report any violations via the official numbers: (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
