9,000 violators of residency and labor laws in Saudi Arabia were apprehended
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security and regulate the labor market, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its proactive and intensive crackdown on violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. Joint security field campaigns, conducted across all regions of the Kingdom, have yielded decisive results, reflecting the vigilance of security forces and their commitment to rigorously enforcing the regulations.
General context and ongoing national campaigns
These efforts are an extension of major national initiatives launched by Saudi Arabia in recent years, such as the "A Nation Without Violators" campaign, which aims to regularize the status of expatriates and rid the labor market of undocumented and irregular workers. The presence of irregular workers poses an economic and security burden, contributing to the growth of the informal economy, increased crime rates, and strain on public services. Therefore, the Saudi leadership prioritizes border security and the regulation of residency and employment to ensure a safe and stable environment for both citizens and legal residents.
Details of apprehending violators and infiltrators
The total number of violators apprehended during this round of joint field campaigns reached 9,576. These figures were distributed as follows: 4,865 violators of residency regulations, 3,319 violators of border security regulations, and 1,392 violators of labor regulations.
Regarding border security, which represents the Kingdom's first line of defense, attempts by 1,500 individuals to infiltrate Saudi Arabia were thwarted. Statistics indicate that 38% of them were Yemeni nationals, 60% were Ethiopian nationals, and 2% were of other nationalities. Conversely, 58 individuals were apprehended attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally, confirming the tight control exerted over border crossings in both directions.
Local, regional and international impact
At the local level, these campaigns contribute to creating genuine job opportunities for citizens, protecting legitimate employers from unfair competition, and enhancing community security. At the regional and international levels, the Kingdom plays a pivotal role in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks across borders. By referring 17,766 violators to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and deporting 11,226 others, Saudi Arabia affirms its commitment to international standards in dealing with violators, while preserving its sovereignty and security.
Strict penalties for those who conceal and smuggle
The efforts were not limited to apprehending violators, but extended to those who facilitated their entry. Twelve individuals involved in transporting, harboring, and employing violators were arrested. In this context, the Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning that anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators, or provides them with shelter, transportation, or any other form of assistance, will be subject to severe penalties.
These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years and a hefty fine of up to one million Saudi riyals. The penalties also include confiscation of vehicles and residences used in the crime, and public shaming of those involved. These acts are classified as major crimes warranting arrest, and are considered breaches of honor and integrity, given their treasonous nature and the threat they pose to national security.
Call for community participation
Currently, 26,632 undocumented expatriates (25,059 men and 1,573 women) are undergoing procedures for enforcing regulations. Security authorities urge all citizens and residents to cooperate in maintaining security by immediately reporting any violations. The number 911 can be used in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
