As part of the ongoing and intensive security efforts undertaken by the sectors of the Saudi Ministry of Interior to combat 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, thus confirming their constant vigilance in protecting the borders of the homeland and its internal security.
Details of the security operation in Asir
The patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Asir region successfully apprehended a Saudi citizen after monitoring his vehicle, which was found to be transporting 16 Ethiopian nationals who had violated border security regulations. This operation is part of a series of successful field operations aimed at monitoring and apprehending anyone attempting to compromise the security of the Kingdom or facilitate the movement of illegal residents within its borders.
The citizen and the violators were immediately stopped, and all initial regulatory procedures were taken against them. The violators were referred to the competent authorities to complete the procedures for their deportation or trial, while the citizen who transported them was referred to the Public Prosecution, considering that what he did is a serious crime that warrants strict legal accountability.
Deterrent penalties: imprisonment, fines, and public shaming
The official spokesman for the General Directorate of Mujahideen renewed the warning about the danger of involvement in such crimes, stressing that the regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are very strict towards anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any way.
The penalties prescribed by law for perpetrators of these crimes include the following:
- Imprisonment for up to 15 years.
- A financial penalty of up to one million Saudi riyals.
- Confiscating the means of transport used in the crime.
- Confiscating the housing used to shelter violators.
- Publicly shaming the perpetrator to serve as a lesson to others.
This crime is classified as a “major crime warranting arrest,” and is considered a breach of honor and integrity, given the direct threat it poses to national security and social stability.
The importance of adhering to regulations and its security impact
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on border security and regulating the presence of foreigners within its borders, given its direct impact on economic and social security. The presence of those violating border security regulations not only constitutes a breach of the law, but can also create a fertile ground for the growth of organized crime, the trafficking of contraband, and negatively affect the legitimate labor market.
Security agencies, including the General Directorate of Mujahideen, are working according to an integrated strategy to monitor the rugged roads and routes that smugglers may use, especially in border and mountainous areas such as the Asir region, to ensure that no violators infiltrate and to apply the law against anyone who assists them.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
Security authorities urged all citizens and residents to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspected violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations. They emphasized that reporting such violations is a national duty that contributes to protecting society.
Reports can be made using the following official numbers:
- The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
- The number (999) and the number (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
The relevant authorities confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility falling on the reporter, which enhances the concept of community partnership in maintaining security.
