RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) said that it issued 274,849 administrative decisions against violators of the Kingdom's residency and labor laws as well as border security regulations in over 10 months. Jawazat made an appeal to all citizens and residents, asking them not to employ, transport, provide shelter or any kind of assistance to violators of the laws and regulations. It also called on everyone to cooperate and report any violators by calling 911 in Makkah and Riyadh, and 999 in all regions of Saudi Arabia. It is noteworthy that the higher authorities have issued directives to take stringent punitive measures against anyone who facilitates the entry of infiltrators into the Kingdom. The penalty for the offenders includes jail terms ranging between five and 15 years and a maximum fine of SR1 million. The offenses also include giving transportation to infiltrators within the Kingdom and rendering them any sort of assistance or service with knowledge about this offense. Apart from imprisonment and fine, the means of transportation used for carrying infiltrators will be confiscated. The accommodation that was specially prepared to shelter the infiltrator or used for this purpose will also be confiscated. In a related development, Public Security Spokesman Brig. Gen. Sami Al-Shuwairekh reviewed the efforts to combat the illegal entry of violators into the Kingdom. Addressing the program titled "Saudi Street" on the Saudi Television channel, he said that the penalties for those who give any assistance to violators of Saudi labor and residency regulations may reach a fine of SR1 million and jail terms ranging between five and 15 years, and confiscation of the means of accommodation and transportation. In addition to this, the names of violators will be published in the local media at their own expense, he added.
