9,000 violators of residency and labor laws in Saudi Arabia were apprehended
Saudi security forces continue their tireless efforts to ensure security and stability through joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom. These decisive measures are taken to safeguard the nation's resources and protect its economic and social security.
Results of joint field campaigns
The security campaigns carried out during the period from May 14 to 20 yielded tangible results that reflect the vigilance of the security services, as the statistics came as follows:
- Total number of violators: (8943) violators were apprehended, detailed as follows: (4638) violators of the residence system, (2810) violators of the border security system, and (1495) violators of the labor system.
- Infiltration attempts: A total of (1158) people were apprehended while attempting to cross the borders into the Kingdom, of whom (38%) were Yemenis, (61%) were Ethiopians, and (1%) were of other nationalities. Additionally, (54) people were prevented from crossing the borders out of the Kingdom illegally.
- Those involved in sheltering: (8) people involved in transporting, sheltering, employing and covering up for violators were apprehended.
- Implementation procedures: Currently, (23679) expatriates who violate regulations are subject to implementation procedures, including (22629) men and (1050) women.
- Deportation and referral: (16402) violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and (1619) were referred to complete their travel reservations, while (9832) violators were actually deported.
Strategic context and importance of security campaigns
These campaigns are part of a comprehensive national strategy launched by the Saudi Ministry of Interior several years ago under the slogan “A Nation Without Violators.” This strategy aims to regularize the status of workers, regulate the Saudi labor market, and eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented workers. These efforts are of paramount importance given the Kingdom’s relentless pursuit of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on building a strong and sustainable economy and providing a safe and attractive environment for global investment and talent.
Domestically, these campaigns contribute directly to eliminating the informal economy and reducing irregular financial transfers. They also play a pivotal role in providing a competitive and fair business environment, which positively impacts unemployment rates and alleviates pressure on public services and infrastructure. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's firm commitment to controlling its borders limits the activities of cross-border smuggling and human trafficking networks, thus strengthening regional security.
Strict penalties for those who conceal information and methods of reporting
In a related context, the Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warnings that anyone found to be involved in facilitating the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transporting them within the Kingdom, providing them with shelter, or offering them any assistance or service whatsoever, will be subject to severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering them, and public shaming of those involved.
The Ministry clarified that this crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest, as it violates honor and integrity. It urged all citizens and residents to cooperate with security authorities by immediately reporting any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
