Saudi Authorities Crack Down on Violations
In a bold move, Saudi authorities have taken action against those breaking residency, work, and border security regulations, resulting in the arrest of a staggering 21,151 individuals in just one week. The Saudi Press Agency delivered the news on Saturday, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding the law.
The official report revealed that out of the total arrests, 13,799 individuals were detained for residency law violations, 4,768 for illegal border crossings, and 2,584 for labor-related offenses. The numbers paint a clear picture of the widespread issues faced by the authorities.
Of particular concern were the 1,283 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, with the majority being Ethiopian (72%), followed by Yemeni (25%), and a small percentage from other nationalities. Additionally, 67 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, while eight were apprehended for their involvement in aiding violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning to those aiding illegal entry, stating that they could face severe penalties, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines of up to SR1 million ($260,000), and the confiscation of their assets. The message is clear: there will be no leniency for those breaking the law.
To further emphasize the crackdown on violations, the Ministry encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities by calling the toll-free numbers 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom. This collaborative effort aims to maintain the security and integrity of Saudi Arabia.