A citizen in Asir was arrested for transporting 17 border security violators: Penalties and details
As part of the ongoing security efforts by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and its various sectors to track down violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, the patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region were able to thwart an operation to transport a group of violators, reflecting the high level of security vigilance enjoyed by the security services in the Kingdom.
Details of the arrest operation in Asir
The General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region announced the arrest of a Saudi citizen after he was observed transporting 17 individuals who had violated border security regulations in a vehicle he was driving. The violators were found to be of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationalities. The driver and the violators were immediately detained, and all initial legal procedures were initiated against them before they were referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and the application of the legally prescribed penalties.
Strict penalties await smugglers and transporters
The official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen reiterated the warning against the dangers of assisting those who violate border security regulations, emphasizing that the regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are strict and uncompromising in this regard. He explained that anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, transports them within it, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service whatsoever, is subject to severe penalties, including:
- 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.
- Defamation of the offender.
The spokesperson pointed out that this crime is considered one of the major crimes that warrant arrest, and that violates honor and integrity, given the direct threat it poses to the security and safety of society.
The security context and the importance of border protection
This operation is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to combat illegal immigration and residency violations. Security authorities place paramount importance on border security, as it is a cornerstone of internal security and socio-economic stability. The harm caused by illegal immigration extends beyond mere regulatory issues, encompassing potential security risks, negative impacts on the labor market and the national economy, and strain on public services.
Call for cooperation and reporting
Security authorities urge all citizens and residents to abide by regulations, refrain from harboring violators, and promptly report any suspected cases of residency, labor, or border security violations. The Ministry has designated easy-to-use, toll-free numbers for reporting: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. Authorities emphasize that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and the reporter bears no responsibility, reinforcing the principle that "the citizen is the first line of defense.".
