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 21,029 violators in just one week, reflecting the high level of security vigilance and tireless efforts to enforce order.

Details of security seizures according to regulations

In a detailed breakdown of the announced figures, the ministry explained that field campaigns successfully apprehended 12,875 individuals violating residency regulations, 4,778 violating border security regulations, and 3,376 violating labor regulations. These figures underscore the comprehensive nature of the campaigns, which targeted all forms of violations that could affect the stability of the labor market and internal security.

Border security and infiltration attempts

Regarding border security, the weekly report revealed that 2,307 people were apprehended while attempting to cross the Kingdom's borders illegally. Ethiopian nationals constituted the largest group of these violators at 52%, followed by Yemeni nationals at 47%, while the remaining 1% were distributed among other nationalities. Additionally, 75 individuals were detected and apprehended while attempting to cross the Kingdom's borders illegally.

Campaign context and its strategic importance

These security campaigns are of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere daily enforcement. They are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to regulate the labor market and eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented workers and residency violators. These efforts contribute directly to strengthening social and economic security, as adherence to regulations is a fundamental pillar for achieving development goals and ensuring a safe and orderly environment for both citizens and residents.

Those involved in covering up and harboring

The campaigns targeted not only the direct violators but also the networks that facilitate their presence; 29 individuals were arrested for transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. Currently, 23,312 undocumented migrants are subject to enforcement procedures, including 22,040 men and 1,272 women.

Legal procedures and deportation

In order to expedite legal procedures, 16,121 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 2,270 violators were referred to complete their travel arrangements, while 13,213 violators were actually deported to their countries after all the regulatory procedures against them were completed.

Stern warnings and severe penalties

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warnings that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them within the Kingdom, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service whatsoever, will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of up to one million riyals. The penalties also include confiscation of the vehicles and accommodation used for sheltering the violators, and publicizing the names of those found guilty. The Ministry emphasized that these actions are considered major crimes warranting arrest and are a breach of honor and integrity.

The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and report any violations via the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.

In a pioneering move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to harnessing the latest technologies to serve the religious sector, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies to serve participants in the 27th King Salman Local Competition for Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the experience for both contestants and visitors, adding a modern dimension to this important religious event.

Advanced technologies to serve the people of the Quran

The Ministry has provided advanced robots powered by artificial intelligence, capable of communicating in over 95 languages. These robots act as intelligent and interactive guides, providing comprehensive and accurate information about the competition's events. Services offered by the robots include displaying the number of participants, details of the six competition categories, and information about the total prize money of 7 million Saudi Riyals. A notable technical feature is the robots' ability to send all information and data directly to participants' smartphones via WhatsApp, facilitating quick and easy access to information.

The competition is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This step is not merely a passing technological update, but rather an integral part of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' strategy, which aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Vision seeks comprehensive digital transformation across all sectors of the state, including the non-profit sector and religious services. The integration of artificial intelligence into a prestigious competition like the King Salman Quran Memorization Competition reflects the leadership's commitment to harmonizing the authenticity embodied in the care of the Holy Quran with the modernity of utilizing the latest technological advancements to serve Islam and Muslims.

The importance of the competition and the qualifying rounds

The King Salman Local Competition is gaining significant importance both locally and regionally, serving as a platform for honorable competition among the sons and daughters of the nation in memorizing the Holy Quran. This year's competition features 129 finalists, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for memorizing and reciting the Holy Quran.

The final rounds of the competition began yesterday, Friday, with specialized judging panels listening to the participants' recitations according to precise criteria that ensure fairness and transparency. The qualifying events are scheduled to continue until the 29th of this month, amidst a highly spiritual and competitive atmosphere, supported by advanced logistical and technical services that guarantee the comfort of the contestants and facilitate their participation.