21,000 violators of residency and labor laws were apprehended in Saudi Arabia
Ongoing security efforts to apprehend violators of residency and labor regulations
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's intensive security efforts to ensure security and stability, joint field campaigns have yielded tangible results in tracking down and apprehending violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These campaigns aim to rid society of negative phenomena associated with undocumented workers and infiltrators, which will positively impact the security and economic landscape of the country.
Details of statistics on apprehending violators during the week
Security authorities announced the results of campaigns that covered all regions of the Kingdom, with a total of 21,320 violators apprehended. These figures included 15,339 violators of residency regulations, 3,687 violators of border security regulations, and 2,294 violators of labor regulations.
Regarding attempts to infiltrate the borders, 1,683 individuals were prevented from entering the Kingdom illegally. Statistics indicate that 62% of them were Ethiopian nationals, 36% were Yemeni nationals, and the remaining 2% were of other nationalities. Conversely, 72 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Measures taken against violators and those involved
Efforts were not limited to apprehending violators but also included those who supported them. Twenty-two individuals involved in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal immigrants were arrested. Currently, 21,573 undocumented migrants (19,965 men and 1,608 women) are undergoing legal procedures. 14,363 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while travel arrangements are being finalized for 2,206 others, and 8,104 violators have already been deported.
The historical context of labor market regulation campaigns
These efforts are an extension of comprehensive national campaigns, such as the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign launched by Saudi Arabia to regularize the status of expatriates and regulate the labor market. Historically, many markets have suffered from the negative impacts of undocumented workers, prompting relevant authorities to unify their security and regulatory efforts to enforce the rule of law and achieve a competitive and fair work environment that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Local and regional importance and impact
These security campaigns to apprehend violators of residency and labor laws are of paramount importance. Domestically, they contribute to reducing crime rates, protecting the national economy from illicit financial transfers, and eliminating commercial concealment. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom reaffirms its firm commitment to combating human trafficking and enhancing border security, making it a model to be emulated in managing migration and border control in the region.
Strict penalties and a call for community cooperation
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its strong warnings that anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators, provides them with transportation, shelter, or assistance, will face severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of one million Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles and accommodations used, and public shaming of those involved. These acts are classified as major crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity.
The Ministry called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any suspected cases by calling the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing the importance of community partnership in maintaining security.
