Saudi authorities have detained 18,489 individuals during a weeklong crackdown on residency, labor, and border violations. The initiative saw significant arrests including 10,824 for residency violations, and revealed a serious focus on combating illegal crossings and assisting offenders. Legal proceedings are ongoing for over 25,000 expatriates, with stern warnings issued for offenders and accomplices.
In a recent weeklong campaign, Saudi authorities apprehended 18,489 individuals for various violations related to residency, labor, and border security. This operation, spanning from November 28 to December 4, was conducted by security forces in collaboration with multiple government agencies. The breakdown of arrests included 10,824 individuals violating residency laws, 4,638 border security offenders, and 3,027 labor-related violators.
The security forces also intercepted 1,125 individuals attempting to illegally enter Saudi Arabia; among these, 42 percent were identified as Yemeni nationals and 56 percent as Ethiopian nationals. Additionally, 57 individuals were detained while trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. To aid the enforcement of the law, 31 individuals suspected of aiding illegal residents were also arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing these violators.
Legal proceedings are currently underway for 25,484 expatriates, which include 22,604 men and 2,880 women. Out of these, 17,981 have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions for the necessary travel documentation. Furthermore, 2,427 individuals are making arrangements for their departures, while 9,529 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning to those facilitating illegal activities, highlighting that violators may face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines totaling SR1 million, and potential confiscation of vehicles or properties utilized in such offenses.
Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to enforce residency and labor laws by detaining nearly 18,500 individuals in a weeklong operation. With a significant number of expatriates currently facing legal proceedings, the government is taking a firm stance against violations, imposing strict penalties for offenders and those who assist them. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining border security and regulating residency protocols.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
