In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening its sovereignty and national security, the Ministry of Interior reiterated its emphasis on the severe penalties that will be imposed on anyone who contributes to violating border security regulations. The Ministry clarified, through its official platforms, that involvement in facilitating the entry of violators into the Kingdom, transporting them within its territory, providing them with shelter, or offering any form of assistance constitutes a major crime warranting deterrent punishments.
These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals. The measures also extend to confiscating the vehicle used in the crime and the residence used to shelter the offenders, in addition to publicly shaming those involved—a step aimed at achieving both general and specific deterrence. The Ministry emphasized that this crime is classified as a major offense warranting arrest and is considered a crime against honor and integrity.
The general context and the Kingdom's efforts in controlling the borders
This increased vigilance comes as part of the Kingdom's long-standing efforts to secure its vast borders, which it shares with several countries and which feature diverse terrain ranging from deserts and mountains to long coastlines. The Kingdom faces complex security challenges, including infiltration attempts for various purposes and the smuggling of narcotics and weapons, making border control a top national security priority. The comprehensive national campaign to track down and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations, known in the media as the "A Nation Without Violators" campaign, is a prime example of this strategic approach. It aims to regularize the status of violators and prosecute those involved in employing or harboring them.
Importance and expected effects
Domestically, these stringent measures contribute to strengthening security and social stability and reducing criminal activities that some violators may be involved in. They also protect the labor market from irregular employment, which negatively impacts opportunities available to citizens and legal residents. Regionally, securing the Kingdom's borders, as a pivotal player in the region, directly contributes to the stability of neighboring countries by preventing the infiltration of terrorist elements and curbing the activities of transnational organized crime networks. Internationally, these policies align with global standards for combating terrorism, organized crime, and human trafficking, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a trusted international partner in maintaining international peace and security. The message is clear: the security of the homeland is a red line, and collusion with violators is complicity in a crime that threatens the entire society.
