Saudi Security Forces Detain Over 20,000 Illegals in One Week

Saudi security forces recently conducted an extensive week-long operation targeting illegal residents and violators of residency, labor, and border security laws.

Targeting illegal residents and offenders of residence, labor, and border security regulations, Saudi security personnel recently carried out a protracted week-long operation. Under the direction of several government agencies, this effort between November 7 and November 13 resulted in the arrest of 20,124 people all throughout the Kingdom. Emphasizing the government's will to maintain legal order and security, the Ministry of Interior presented the outcomes of the operation.

Three main categories of infractions comprised the arrests. Eleven thousand or so of the people arrested were determined to have broken Saudi Arabia 's Residency Law. These people lived in the Kingdom without any official paperwork or licenses. Additional 5,285 persons were arrested for Border Security Law infractions including illegal border crossings and entrance offenses. Furthermore discovered were 3,232 people breaking Labor Law by working illegally or without the necessary work permits. These numbers show the wide extent of the campaign and the will of Saudi officials to handle different kinds of legal violations.

The operation also stopped people trying illegally to cross Saudi borders. Security agents arrested 1,401 people trying to enter the Kingdom without permission. Among these, 1% belonged to another nationality, 39% were Yemeni nationals, and 60% were Ethiopian nationals. 98 people were arrested meantime for unlawful country departure. These numbers show the ongoing difficulties caused by illicit border activity as well as the aggressive actions done to solve them.

Apart from focusing on offenders, the campaign also targets people who support such kind of acts. Six people apprehended by authorities turned out to be involved in either transporting, housing, or hiring offenders. These examples highlight the Kingdom's desire to destroy systems encouraging unlawful behavior. Saudi officials want to improve the efficacy of their enforcement activities by tackling the facilitators and root causes.

Legal and deportation processes started for 21,267 expatriates including 2,509 women and 18,508 men—after the arrests, These people are presently in different phases of the legal procedure, Travel documentation for 13,354 violators is being sought for by means of respective diplomatic posts. Apart from that, 10,458 violators have already been deported; 3,096 people are currently finishing travel plans. These methodical steps guarantee the equitable and effective handling of cases and help to enable the repatriation of individuals under custody.

Strong warnings against anyone who support or assist law breaking activities have been issued by the Ministry of Interior. People who help illegal immigrants, transport offenders, or give them cover run heavy fines. These comprise up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and seizure of goods or vehicles used in such operations. The severe punishments discourage possible offenders by reflecting the gravity of these crimes.

The government has also urged the people to actively participate in these enforcement initiatives by means of violations reporting. Residents can phone certain hotlines—911 for the areas of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 for other parts of the Kingdom—to document suspected activity. Effective addressing of infractions and guaranteeing the safety and security of the society depend on this cooperative attitude between authorities and the people.

This massive effort emphasizes Saudi Arabia's will to preserve its laws and keep peace inside its borders, Different agencies working together show how well the government can handle difficult problems and enforce legal compliance, Fostering a culture of responsibility and cooperation is still absolutely vital as the Kingdom keeps tackling problems of residence and border security. These steps support not only the national security but also its more general vision of a well-regulated and harmonious society.