Kamal Ghorui
A week-long nationwide enforcement drive has led to the arrest of 19,077 illegal residents across Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The coordinated inspections were conducted between February 19 and 25 by security forces working alongside relevant government agencies. The violations spanned multiple legal categories. Authorities reported that 13,215 individuals were detained for breaching the Residency Law. Another 3,396 were arrested for violations of the Border Security Law, while 2,466 were found in violation of the Labour Law. Enforcement measures are already underway. A total of 14,982 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. An additional 1,364 individuals were directed to complete their travel bookings. During the same reporting period, 11,040 violators were deported. Border enforcement operations also recorded fresh arrests. Security forces detained 1,615 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of those intercepted, 34 percent were Yemeni nationals, 64 percent were Ethiopian nationals and the remaining 2 percent belonged to other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 70 individuals who were trying to exit the country unlawfully. Investigations extended beyond the violators themselves. Ten people accused of providing transportation, shelter or employment to illegal residents were taken into custody. The ministry further revealed that 20,712 expatriates are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures. This group includes 19,304 men and 1,408 women. Issuing a firm warning, the Ministry of Interior said facilitating illegal entry, transporting violators, offering shelter or providing any form of assistance will result in strict penalties. Offenders face prison terms of up to 15 years and fines of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used in transportation and properties used for shelter will be confiscated. Members of the public were urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In other regions of the Kingdom, reports can be made via 999 or 996.
