Jazan: 15-year prison sentence and a fine of one million riyals for transporting nine violators

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance border security and combat violations of residency and labor regulations, the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Jazan region announced the arrest of an Ethiopian resident. The arrest came after he was observed transporting nine individuals violating border security regulations, of Ethiopian and Yemeni nationalities, using his private vehicle.

All parties involved were stopped, and initial legal procedures were taken against them. The violators were handed over to the competent authority, while the carrier was referred to the Public Prosecution to complete the investigations and apply the penalties stipulated in the system.

General context: “A nation without violators” campaign

This operation comes within the broader context of intensive security campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Interior across its various sectors, most notably the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign, launched several years ago to regularize the status of undocumented residents and pursue networks that facilitate infiltration and illegal employment. The Jazan region, due to its geographical location bordering Yemen and its rugged terrain, is considered one of the areas facing ongoing security challenges, necessitating constant vigilance from the border guards and supporting security forces.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The significance of this operation lies in its powerful deterrent message to anyone tempted to facilitate the entry, transport, or harbor of illegal immigrants. Domestically, these operations bolster the sense of security among citizens and legal residents, and mitigate the security, economic, and social risks associated with the presence of undocumented workers. Regionally, these measures underscore the Kingdom's commitment to protecting its borders and sovereignty, particularly given the instability in some neighboring countries, which drives thousands to attempt to cross borders in search of employment or refuge.

Strict penalties for those involved

Official authorities, represented by the spokesperson for the General Directorate of Mujahideen, reiterated that the Kingdom's regulations impose severe penalties on anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators or provides them with transportation, shelter, or any other form of assistance. They clarified that this crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest and is a breach of honor and trust, with penalties reaching:

• Imprisonment for up to 15 years.
• A financial penalty of up to one million Saudi riyals.
• Confiscation of the means of transport and the accommodation used in the sheltering process.
• Defamation of the person involved after the final judicial ruling.

The authorities called on all citizens and residents to report any violations via the designated numbers (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.