Saudi Authorities Crack Down on Violators
In a swift and decisive move, Saudi authorities have apprehended a staggering 20,667 individuals in just one week for flouting residency, work, and border security laws. The Saudi Press Agency broke the news on Saturday, revealing the extent of the crackdown.
According to an official report, a whopping 14,805 individuals were nabbed for violating residency regulations, while 3,860 were detained for attempting illegal border crossings. Additionally, 2,002 individuals were taken into custody for labor-related offenses.
The report further disclosed that out of the 959 individuals caught attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were of Ethiopian descent, 44 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining 3 percent hailed from various other nationalities.
In a bid to tighten security measures, 58 individuals were apprehended for trying to sneak into neighboring countries, while nine were arrested for aiding and abetting violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning, stating that individuals found aiding in illegal entry to the Kingdom, whether through transportation or shelter, could face severe consequences. These include a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine reaching up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as the confiscation of vehicles and property.
To combat such violations, citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity by dialing the toll-free numbers 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom. The crackdown continues, sending a clear message that Saudi Arabia is unwavering in its commitment to upholding security and order.