A recent incident on the King Fahd Causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain saw the Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) intercepting an expatriate attempting to smuggle two individuals into Saudi Arabia. This illegal act resulted in legal consequences for the arrested individuals. Learn more about this incident and the ongoing efforts by Saudi authorities to enforce border security and combat illegal residency.
Passport officers, stationed on the crucial bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, apprehended an expatriate who tried to transport two individuals across the border by concealing them in his car. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) confirmed that this attempt on the King Fahd Causeway was a clear violation of Saudi immigration laws.
The Jawazat did not disclose further details but stated in a brief announcement, "Legal action was taken against them, and they were sent to the appropriate authority."
The King Fahd Causeway, operational since 1986, has been a vital route for travel between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, both members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The incident underscores the continuous efforts to maintain border security and prevent illegal entry.
The Saudi Interior Ministry recently reported the arrest of 17,556 illegal foreigners in one week as part of a nationwide campaign targeting violations related to residency, work, and border security. Additionally, twelve individuals were apprehended for aiding in the transportation, accommodation, and employment of illegal foreigners.
Saudi Arabia has issued repeated warnings regarding the consequences of assisting illegal immigrants, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, hefty fines, seizure of assets, and public naming and shaming. These measures aim to deter individuals from participating in activities that compromise the nation's security.
Given the significant expatriate population in Saudi Arabia, totaling around 32.2 million people, the government has recently unveiled plans to regulate and strengthen the local job market. The Ministry's "A Country Without a Violator" initiative is a prominent nationwide effort to identify and address illegal residency issues.
The thwarted attempt to smuggle individuals across the King Fahd Causeway highlights the stringent measures in place to safeguard Saudi borders. As the nation intensifies efforts to uphold immigration laws, individuals involved in illegal activities face severe consequences. Stay informed about the ongoing initiatives shaping Saudi Arabia's commitment to security and regulatory enforcement.
