Saudi Arabia imposes fines, jail and deportation in 22,894 visa violation cases

RIYADH, Sep 17: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports issued 22,894 administrative decisions during Rabi Al-Awwal 1448 AH against citizens and expatriates for violations of residency, labor and border security regulations.

The penalties include imprisonment, fines and deportation, depending on the nature of the violations.

The Directorate urged citizens, expatriates, business owners and individuals to refrain from transporting, employing or sheltering violators of residency, labor and border security regulations. It also warned against concealing violators or providing assistance in securing employment, accommodation or transportation.

Authorities called on the public to report violations through the designated numbers. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

The Directorate said all reports would be treated with complete confidentiality and that those reporting violations would not be held liable.