Saudi Arabia's Intensive Inspection Drive Uncovers Over 21,000 Violations in Seven Days
In a sweeping nationwide enforcement operation, Saudi Arabian authorities have uncovered a staggering total of 21,029 violations during a concentrated seven-day inspection campaign. The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern renewed warning about severe penalties for those who breach or assist in breaching the country's residency, labor, and border security regulations.
Breakdown of Violations and Arrests
The inspection campaigns, conducted between February 5 and February 11, targeted compliance across multiple regulatory areas. According to official ministry data, the violations were categorized as follows:
- 12,875 violations related to residency laws
- 4,778 violations linked to border security regulations
- 3,376 violations involving labor law infractions
Border security operations proved particularly intensive during this period, with authorities apprehending 2,307 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. The nationality breakdown of those arrested reveals:
- 47 percent were Yemeni nationals
- 52 percent were Ethiopian nationals
- 1 percent were from other nationalities
Additionally, 75 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom through illegal channels.
Enforcement Against Facilitators and Current Procedures
The crackdown extended beyond direct violators to include those accused of assisting them. Authorities arrested 29 individuals for transporting, sheltering, or employing people found to be in violation of residency, labor, or border security regulations.
Current enforcement procedures involve 23,312 expatriates, including 22,040 men and 1,272 women, who are undergoing regulatory compliance processes. Meanwhile, 16,121 individuals detained for rule violations have been instructed to contact their countries' embassies or consulates to secure proper travel documents.
Authorities have advised 2,270 individuals to make travel arrangements, while 13,213 have already been repatriated to their home countries.
Severe Penalties and Public Reporting Mechanisms
The Ministry of Interior has emphasized the serious consequences for those involved in immigration violations. Anyone who facilitates illegal entry into the Kingdom, transports individuals within its territory, or provides shelter, assistance, or other services to violators may face:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Fines of up to SAR1 million
- Confiscation of vehicles used for transportation
- Confiscation of properties used for shelter
Officials have classified such actions as major crimes warranting immediate arrest and have urged members of the public to report any violations through designated channels:
- Call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions
- Call 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom
The ministry has confirmed that inspection campaigns will continue indefinitely to ensure full compliance with Saudi Arabia's immigration and labor regulations, maintaining pressure on violators and those who enable them.
