Saudi Authorities Crack Down on Violators
In a week-long operation, Saudi authorities made a significant impact by arresting 21,103 individuals for various breaches of residency, work, and border security regulations. The Saudi Press Agency reported this news on Saturday, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
Residency laws were a major focus, with 12,997 arrests made for violations in this area. Additionally, 5,657 individuals were apprehended for attempting illegal border crossings, while 2,449 were held for labor-related issues. The crackdown was thorough and targeted all aspects of security.
A detailed breakdown revealed that a majority of those attempting illegal entry were Ethiopian (56%) and Yemeni (43%), with a small percentage from other nationalities. The authorities also caught 55 individuals trying to cross into neighboring countries and apprehended 18 for their involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The seriousness of facilitating illegal entry was emphasized by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, which warned that those found guilty could face severe penalties. This includes imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property. The message was clear: breaking the law will not be tolerated.
To further strengthen their efforts, the ministry encouraged the public to report any suspected violations through toll-free numbers. In the Makkah and Riyadh regions, the number is 911, while in other areas of the Kingdom, it is 999 or 996. This proactive approach aims to involve the community in maintaining security and order.