19,000 violators of residency and labor laws were apprehended in Saudi Arabia

Saudi security forces continue their tireless efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market through joint field campaigns across all regions of the Kingdom. These operations are part of the Ministry of Interior's strategy to track down and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations, ensuring societal stability and protecting national resources.

Details of seizures and announced figures

Intensive field campaigns conducted by security authorities last week (from August 24 to September 1) resulted in the apprehension of 19,101 violators across the Kingdom. The violations varied, with residency violations constituting the largest group at 12,153 , followed by border security violations at 4,103 , and then labor law violations at 2,845 .

Regarding border security, security forces thwarted attempts 1,663 individuals to infiltrate the Kingdom. Statistics indicate that 45% of the infiltrators were Yemeni nationals, 54% were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 31 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border illegally out of the Kingdom.

General context and importance of security campaigns

These campaigns are of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere security measures; they represent a cornerstone in maintaining the Kingdom's national and economic security. Historically, the Kingdom has sought, through campaigns such as "A Nation Without Violators," to rectify labor market conditions and reduce the number of undocumented workers who could burden the economy or pose a security risk. These efforts aim to:

• Strengthening internal security: by reducing crimes that may be committed by unidentified lawbreakers.
• Protecting the national economy: by eliminating commercial concealment and ensuring that all economic activities are under the umbrella of the law.
• Regulating the labor market: Providing job opportunities for citizens and legal residents in a fair and competitive environment.

Regulatory procedures and deterrent penalties

A large number of undocumented migrants are currently undergoing legal procedures, with a total of 21,491 individuals subject to these procedures, including over 20,000 men and over 1,300 women. 15,585 undocumented migrants have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 14,893 already been deported.

In a related development, 28 individuals were apprehended for their involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing illegal immigrants. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its stern warnings that anyone who facilitates the entry of illegal immigrants, transports them, or provides them with shelter is subject to severe penalties, considered major crimes warranting arrest and involving moral turpitude. These penalties include:

• 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.

Reporting and Community Cooperation Mechanism

Security authorities have called on citizens and residents to cooperate by reporting any violations, emphasizing that security is everyone's responsibility. Reports can be made via the official numbers:

• The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
• The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.