Passports Department issues 19,000 decisions against residency and work law violators
The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the issuance of 19,559 administrative decisions during the month of Rajab 1447 AH, through its administrative and quasi-judicial committees located in various regional passport offices. These decisions were issued against a number of citizens and residents who were found to have violated residency, labor, and border security regulations. The penalties varied, including imprisonment, fines, and deportation for expatriate violators, in a move that confirms the determination of the competent authorities to firmly enforce the law.
Firmness in implementing systems to enhance security
These decisions come as part of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports, to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market. These campaigns are an integral part of the Kingdom's security strategy, which aims to eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented workers and residency violators, given their direct negative impact on the national economy and social security. Through these stringent measures, the Kingdom seeks to protect the rights of citizens and legal residents, and ensure a regulated work environment free from commercial concealment and illegal employment.
Strong warnings against concealment and harboring
In a related context, the General Directorate of Passports reiterated its strong warnings to all citizens and residents, including business owners and individuals, emphasizing the serious consequences of transporting, employing, or harboring violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The Directorate stressed that concealing these violators or providing them with any form of assistance, whether in securing employment, housing, or transportation, constitutes a crime punishable by severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, public shaming, and confiscation of any equipment used in the violation.
The importance of community cooperation and reporting mechanisms
Security authorities have called on everyone to embrace their national responsibility and cooperate by reporting any suspected violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The General Directorate of Passports clarified that official reporting channels are readily available and easy to use. The unified security operations number (911) can be contacted in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, while the number (999) can be used in the rest of the Kingdom. The Directorate emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality, and the reporter will not face any legal repercussions. This is intended to encourage members of the community to contribute to maintaining security and order.
