«الداخلية»: تسهيل عبور المتسللين وإيوائهم جريمة مخلة بالشرف والأمانة

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to one million riyals, and the confiscation of the means of transport and accommodation used for shelter, in addition to public disgrace.

The Interior Ministry clarified that this crime is considered a major offense warranting detention, and it undermines honor and trust, urging reporting of any violations in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and other areas. The field campaigns organized by the Ministry in all regions from March 12 to March 18, 2026, resulted in the apprehension of (22,931) violators, including (17,181) violators of the residency system, (3,931) violators of the border security system, and (1,819) violators of the labor system. The total number of those apprehended while attempting to cross the borders into the Kingdom was (1,635) individuals, of whom (29%) were of Yemeni nationality, (68%) were of Ethiopian nationality, and (3%) were of other nationalities. Additionally, (40) individuals were apprehended for attempting to cross the borders out of the Kingdom in an irregular manner.

Furthermore, (36) individuals were apprehended for involvement in transporting, sheltering, and employing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations and for concealing them. Currently, a total of (29,564) violators are undergoing enforcement procedures, including (26,714) men and (2,850) women. (21,133) violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, (3,285) violators have been referred to complete their travel bookings, and (7,761) violators have been deported.