Saudi Arabia: 11,000 violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations apprehended

Joint security campaigns continue their efforts to enhance labor market stability

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint field campaigns conducted last week to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom. These campaigns, part of the comprehensive national initiative “A Nation Without Violators,” resulted in the apprehension of 11,300 violators, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to rigorously enforcing regulations to ensure a safe and orderly environment.

Details of violations and recorded numbers

The data issued by the ministry showed that the violations were distributed as follows:

• 6,244 people violated the residency regulations.
• 3,543 violators of the border security system.
• 1,513 violations of the labor law.

Security efforts also included monitoring border infiltration attempts, resulting in the apprehension of 1,330 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 43% were Yemeni nationals, 54% were Ethiopian nationals, and the remainder were of other nationalities. Additionally, 51 individuals were apprehended for attempting to leave the country illegally. Furthermore, 14 people were arrested for their involvement in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal immigrants.

General context: The “A Nation Without Violators” campaign and the goals of Vision 2030

These weekly campaigns are part of a broader security and economic strategy adopted by the Kingdom. Since launching the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign in 2017, the government has aimed to address the phenomenon of irregular employment, which negatively impacts the national economy and social security. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a prosperous economy and an efficient and productive labor market that provides decent job opportunities for both citizens and legal residents. Regulating the labor market helps reduce the informal economy, enhances competitiveness, and guarantees the rights of all parties.

Local and regional importance and impacts

Domestically, these measures contribute to strengthening security and social stability, reducing pressure on public services, and combating crimes that may be linked to the presence of those violating regulations. Regionally, these campaigns reflect the challenges the Kingdom faces in securing its vast borders, especially given the unstable conditions in some neighboring countries, which drive thousands to attempt to enter its territory in search of economic opportunities. These ongoing efforts underscore the state's sovereignty and its ability to enforce its laws and protect its borders.

Strict penalties and a warning against covering up for violators

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security regulations into the Kingdom, or provides them with transportation, shelter, or any other form of assistance, will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 yearsand a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals. In addition, the means of transportation and accommodation used in the crime will be confiscated, and the offender will be publicly shamed. The Ministry emphasized that this crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest and is a breach of honor and integrity. It urged everyone to report any violations via the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.