Mass Arrests of Residency, Labor, and Border Law Violators
Between September 12 and 18, 2024, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior conducted joint field campaigns, resulting in the arrest of 22,716 individuals for violating residency, work, and border security regulations. The campaigns targeted various regions of the Kingdom.
Details of the Violations
Residency, Labor, and Border Security Offenders
- Residency Violators: 14,446 individuals were detained for breaching residency laws.
- Border Security Violators: 4,780 individuals were apprehended for violating border security laws.
- Labor Law Violators: 3,490 individuals were found to have violated labor laws.
Attempts to Illegally Cross the Border
- Entry into Saudi Arabia: 1,513 individuals were caught attempting to cross into the Kingdom, with 46% of these being Yemeni nationals, 53% Ethiopian nationals, and 1% of other nationalities.
- Exit from Saudi Arabia: 38 people were detained while attempting to illegally exit the Kingdom.
Involvement in Harboring and Transporting Offenders
Ten individuals were arrested for facilitating the violation of residency, labor, and border regulations. This included providing transportation, shelter, and employment.
Legal Action and Penalties
The Ministry of Interior has emphasized severe consequences for those who assist violators. Penalties include up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines of up to one million riyals, and the confiscation of any transportation or properties used in the crimes. The offense is considered serious, entailing a breach of honor and trust.
Ongoing Procedures for Violators
- Detained Expatriates: 15,752 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures, comprising 14,167 men and 1,585 women.
- Deportation Process: 6,765 violators were sent to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 12,101 have been deported.
Encouragement for Public Reporting
The Ministry encourages residents to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.
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