Saudi Authorities Step Up Crackdown on Iqama, Employment and Border Violations

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has intensified action against violations of residency (Iqama), employment, and border regulations, raising concerns among Iqama holders.

According to a media report, the Directorate said in an official statement that administrative committees issued a total of 17,767 decisions during the one-month period of Jumada Al-Akhirah 1447 AH. These decisions included a range of penalties for different types of violations.

The General Directorate of Passports stated that the actions covered both Saudi nationals and expatriates found in breach of the law. The penalties imposed included imprisonment, financial fines, and deportation from the Kingdom.

Authorities stressed that violations of regulations will not be tolerated under any circumstances and that all individuals are required to strictly comply with the Kingdom’s laws. The statement also strongly warned Saudi citizens and foreign residents against providing any form of assistance to individuals violating Iqama, visa, or labor laws.

Officials clarified that offering accommodation, employment, transportation, or any other facilitation to illegal residents is a punishable offense and carries severe penalties. During the same period, security agencies arrested 40 individuals attempting to illegally cross from Saudi Arabia into neighboring countries. Additionally, 15 facilitators who assisted these individuals were also taken into custody.

Saudi authorities further emphasized that strict action will be taken, without discrimination, against anyone providing travel, housing, or employment assistance to illegal migrants.

The public has been urged to adhere to all regulations and to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities to help ensure law and order and uphold the rule of law across the Kingdom.