14,000 violators of residency, labor and border security regulations were apprehended in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Continued security efforts to apprehend violators

Security efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to achieve tangible successes in maintaining the security and stability of the nation. Joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations are ongoing throughout the Kingdom. These decisive measures are taken to ensure the enforcement of regulations and to protect society from the negative consequences of undocumented workers.

General context and historical background of campaigns to apprehend violators

These joint field campaigns are an extension of the major national initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the past years, most notably the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign, which aimed to regularize the status of expatriates and rid the labor market of undocumented workers. Historically, Saudi Arabia has faced geographical challenges due to its long land and sea borders, making it a target for infiltration and illegal immigration attempts, particularly from the Horn of Africa and Yemen. This has prompted the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities to intensify monitoring and develop an integrated security system to curb this phenomenon, which negatively impacts economic resources and social security.

Details of seizures and recently recorded figures

The security campaigns conducted across all regions of the Kingdom between March 26 and April 1 yielded decisive results, with a total of 14,242 violators apprehended. These violations included:

• (7884) Violators of the residency regulations.
• (3948) in violation of the border security system.
• (2410) Violators of the labor law.

Regarding border security, 1,449 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom. Ethiopians constituted the largest group (71%), followed by Yemenis (27%), and other nationalities (2%). Additionally, 29 individuals were prevented from illegally crossing the border out of the Kingdom. The apprehensions were not limited to those in violation of residency laws; 25 individuals involved in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal residents were also arrested. Currently, 36,365 undocumented migrants are undergoing legal procedures, and 6,285 have been deported.

The importance of the event and its expected impact on various levels

At the local level, these campaigns play a pivotal role in enhancing criminal security and reducing crime rates associated with irregular employment. They also contribute directly to protecting the national economy from the scourge of commercial concealment and the informal economy, which positively impacts the regulation of the labor market and provides a safe environment for citizens and legal residents.

At the regional and international levels, these decisive measures underscore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating human trafficking and international smuggling networks. These efforts contribute to regional stability by curbing irregular migration flows, reflecting positively on the Kingdom’s strong law enforcement capabilities.

Strict penalties for those who conceal and smuggle

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a strong warning against aiding violators of border security regulations. It emphasized that anyone who facilitates the entry of 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, including:

• 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 for sheltering.
• Defamation of the perpetrator.

This crime is classified as a major crime that warrants arrest, and is considered a breach of honor and integrity.

Community call to report violations

In its efforts to strengthen community partnership, the Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to cooperate and report any violations. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, to ensure continued security and safety throughout the country.