In a significant crackdown, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior arrested 17,616 illegal residents across various regions within a single week. The arrests were part of inspection raids carried out between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21, 2024, targeting violators of Residency, Border Security, and Labor Laws.
Breakdown of Arrests and Violations
The inspection raids, conducted by the Ministry of Interior officials in all regions of Saudi Arabia, resulted in the arrest of 11,022 violators of the Residency Law, 4,216 violators of the Border Security Law, and 2,378 violators of the Labor Law.
Border Violations
Among the arrests, 883 individuals were caught attempting to illegally cross the border into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 41% were Yemeni nationals, 58% were Ethiopian nationals, and 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 68 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Involvement in Illegal Activities
The ministry also apprehended 15 individuals who were involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. These actions are considered severe offenses under Saudi law.
Ongoing Legal Procedures and Deportations
Currently, 14,542 expatriates, including 13,471 men and 1,071 women, are undergoing various legal procedures as part of the punitive measures against them. Among these, 5,926 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,070 violators are in the process of completing their travel reservations, and 13,952 violators have already been deported.
Ministry’s Warning to the Public
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning to anyone facilitating illegal activities. Individuals who assist in the illegal entry, transportation, or sheltering of violators may face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles and houses used in these crimes.
Public Involvement Encouraged
The ministry has urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in the other regions of the Kingdom.
