The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced today (Saturday) the results of its intensive joint field campaigns aimed at monitoring and apprehending violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations throughout the Kingdom. These ongoing security efforts resulted in the arrest of 20,237 violators in just one week, reflecting the high level of security vigilance and tireless efforts to enforce order.

Details of seizures and classification of violations

In its official announcement, the ministry explained that field campaigns resulted in the apprehension of 12,687 individuals violating residency regulations—the highest number among all categories of violators—in addition to 4,318 violators of border security regulations and 3,232 violators of labor regulations. These figures underscore the comprehensive nature of the security campaigns, which address all aspects of regulatory violations that could impact the labor market and public safety.

Border security and infiltration attempts

Regarding border security, the Ministry revealed that it had thwarted attempts by 1,555 individuals to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Yemeni nationals constituted the largest group of these violators at 40%, followed by Ethiopian nationals at 57%, while other nationalities accounted for the remaining 3%. Additionally, 61 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border out of the Kingdom illegally, highlighting the high efficiency of the Border Guard forces and supporting agencies in monitoring and preventing violations in both directions.

The strategic context of security campaigns

These intensified campaigns are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market. These efforts are an extension of the "A Nation Without Violators" campaigns, which aim to eliminate negative phenomena related to violations of regulations and reduce the number of undocumented workers, which can pose an economic and security burden. Through these stringent measures, the state seeks to protect the rights of citizens and legal residents and ensure a fair and competitive work environment free from commercial concealment and illegal employment.

Deportation procedures and penalties for those who conceal [the illegal activities]

Regarding the legal measures taken, the Ministry indicated that a total of 23,807 undocumented migrants are currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations, including 21,926 men and 1,881 women. Of these, 16,805 were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,437 were referred to complete their travel arrangements, and 11,656 have already been deported.

Thirty-two individuals were also apprehended for their involvement in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing violators of border security regulations. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warning that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them, or provides them with shelter, will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the means of transport and residence, and public shaming. These acts are considered major crimes warranting arrest and are a breach of honor and integrity.

The importance of community cooperation

These results underscore the importance of the community's role in maintaining security, as the Ministry urged everyone to report any violations via the official numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom's regions, to ensure continued security and stability.

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia, warning of unstable weather conditions affecting several vital regions. The center explained that the chance of thunderstorms, ranging from moderate to heavy, remains, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and ravines. These storms may be accompanied by hail and strong, dust-raising winds that reduce horizontal visibility, particularly in parts of the Riyadh, Qassim, and Eastern Province regions.

In a related development, the meteorological report indicated that the rainy conditions would extend, but with less intensity, to parts of the southern and southwestern highlands, including the regions of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. The center also noted the possibility of dense fog forming in parts of these highlands, urging caution while driving. On the other hand, the report indicated that the northern parts of the Kingdom, specifically the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, would be affected by active winds that could stir up dust and sand.

The climatic and geographical context of the weather condition

These weather fluctuations are part of Saudi Arabia's typical climatic patterns during the transitional seasons and the winter and spring periods. The Arabian Peninsula's atmosphere is influenced by the passage of low-pressure systems from the north or by the interaction of air masses with different characteristics. The Kingdom's diverse topography plays a significant role in shaping these phenomena. While the Sarawat Mountains in the west and south contribute to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and orographic rainfall, the central and eastern regions (the plateau and coastal plains) experience instability resulting from the collision of air currents, generating strong thunderstorms often accompanied by hail.

The importance of forecasts and their overall impact

These reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology are of paramount importance locally, as relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police rely on them to enhance their preparedness for any emergencies that may arise from flash floods or poor visibility. This weather condition directly impacts the daily lives of citizens and residents, particularly in major cities like Riyadh and Dammam, where heavy rainfall can cause traffic congestion and water accumulation on some main roads. In such circumstances, authorities consistently urge the public to stay away from floodplains and wadis, and to adhere to public safety guidelines to ensure everyone's well-being.