A citizen in Jazan was arrested for transporting a person in violation of border security regulations and faces severe penalties
As part of the intensive security efforts undertaken by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and its various sectors to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, the patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Jazan region were able to arrest a Saudi citizen who was involved in transporting a person who violated the border security regulations of Yemeni nationality.
Security officials explained that the citizen was apprehended while driving his vehicle with the contraband in his possession. Both were immediately detained and initial legal procedures were initiated against them. The Yemeni national was referred to the relevant authorities to complete the procedures related to his violation of border regulations, while the citizen who transported the contraband was referred to the Public Prosecution, as his actions constitute a crime warranting severe legal penalties.
Deterrent penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment
In a related context, the official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen reiterated his strong warnings to anyone who might consider compromising national security by assisting violators. He emphasized that the regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are extremely strict in this regard, as anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, transports them within its borders, provides them with shelter, or offers 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 residence used to shelter violators, and public shaming of the perpetrator as a deterrent to others. These penalties stem from the state's commitment to protecting its security and borders from any transgressions that could harm the public interest.
Serious crimes involving moral turpitude
The official spokesperson indicated that these actions are classified as “major crimes” warranting arrest, and are considered breaches of honor and integrity, reflecting the seriousness of harboring or assisting violators. This classification stems from the security, economic, and social ramifications of the presence of residency and border violators within Saudi Arabia, as the state strives to regulate the labor market and enhance internal security.
These security operations are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating the phenomenon of residency and border security violations, given their negative impact on social stability and the economy. Security forces are working around the clock to monitor any suspicious activity and apprehend anyone attempting to break the law.
Call for cooperation and reporting
The security authorities concluded their statement by urging all citizens and residents to cooperate with security personnel by reporting any suspicious activity related to violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations. They clarified that reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
The authorities confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility falling on the informant, in order to encourage members of the community to contribute effectively to maintaining security and order.
