Saudi Arabia arrests 20,124 illegals in one week

Saudi police have arrested hundreds of illegals breaching country’s labor law. (SPA)
Saudi police have arrested hundreds of illegals breaching country’s labor law. (SPA)
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Updated 16 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia arrests 20,124 illegals in one week

Saudi police have arrested hundreds of illegals breaching country’s labor law. (SPA)
  • The report showed that among the 1,401 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,124 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 11,607 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,285 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,232 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,401 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 39 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 98 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and six were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

 


Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, met with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied in the capital, Tunis.

The two officials discussed humanitarian and relief issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saied lauded the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, highlighting the two nations’ exceptional medical professionals.

He further commended the Saudi Arabia program for the separation of conjoined twins.

The KSrelief chief also held a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss humanitarian issues, the SPA reported.

Ferjani lauded the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to help people worldwide.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,400 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 311 organizations.


Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant
Updated 2 min 16 sec ago
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Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
  • Tree planting, coral reef workshops and coastal cleanups drive the Kingdom’s environmental vision for 2030

Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings during Environment Week.

The initiative encourages positive environmental behavior among students, raises early age awareness, and fosters individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held annually from April 20 to 26, Environment Week focuses on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.

The reserve supports sustainability and environmental education. It has planted more than 3 million seedlings, dispersed more than 4 tonnes of seeds and restored 700,000 hectares of land.

At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the authority is highlighting its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal and wildlife conservation.

These efforts include reintroducing 1,455 animals and recording 177 new births, including endangered species such as the sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and mountain ibex.

The authority’s exhibition pavilion showcases the biodiversity of the reserve, home to more than 350 wildlife and 290 bird species.

It also highlights initiatives to protect ecosystems, support sustainability and engage the community in conservation efforts.

During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance highlighted the public’s role in environmental protection, compliance with regulations and reporting violations.

The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, established by the Ministry of Environment and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, presented nine initiatives aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These focus on environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability.

Separately, the Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah’s coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The workshop explored the ecological and historical significance of coral reefs, threats like bleaching, and scientific efforts in reef restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Organized to connect art with environmental issues, the event aimed to foster dialogue between the arts and sciences while promoting awareness of sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj, along with partner agencies and volunteer divers, organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by removing debris to protect coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Volunteer divers and authorities collaborated in underwater cleanups, highlighting the impact of joint environmental efforts.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging public responsibility for environmental protection.

In Riyadh, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification took part in the Environment Week exhibition alongside public and private sector entities.

The center launched nationwide awareness campaigns featuring interactive booths, educational activities, volunteer opportunities and greening efforts to promote public engagement in environmental protection.

Its initiatives focus on restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, managing rangelands and parks and addressing violations like unregulated firewood collection. These efforts aim to build a resilient vegetation ecosystem and support sustainability goals.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, also took part in the event.

Through its subsidiaries, the company showcased its role in supporting a green and circular economy in line with Vision 2030, focusing on waste diversion, emissions reduction and advanced recycling technologies.

The group manages companies specializing in recycling, treating various types of waste and producing soil improvers, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader sustainability efforts.


Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires

Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires
Updated 6 min 44 sec ago
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Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires

Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires
  • US Embassy in Riyadh marks 249 years of American independence
  • Celebration a reminder of enduring friendship between nations and shared vision for prosperous future

RIYADH: Celebrating 249 years of American independence, the US Embassy in Riyadh hosted a reception on Tuesday with the theme “America the Beautiful.”  

Charge d’Affaires Alison Dilworth welcomed government officials, business leaders, academics and cultural figures to an evening that highlighted the enduring friendship between the US and the Kingdom.

Dilworth focused on the significance of the occasion, highlighting the natural beauty of both nations, as well as their shared interests and their dynamic people-to-people ties.  
“It is my great honor to welcome all of you tonight to the US Embassy to mark America’s 249th birthday,” she said.

“Although our Independence Day is officially celebrated on July 4th, here in Riyadh we gather in the spring to enjoy evenings as beautiful as this one taking in the beauty that both our nations are proud to share.”

Drawing on her personal experiences across the Kingdom, Dilworth highlighted Saudi Arabia’s distinctive landscapes and warm hospitality.  

“From the turquoise waters of the Red Sea to the roses of Taif and the green mountains of Abha, Saudi Arabia’s beauty is unforgettable — and it’s the generosity of the Saudi people that makes these places truly special.”

She also noted the deep cultural and personal connections that tie both nations: “I often meet Saudis who fondly recall their time in the US — hiking through Yellowstone, surfing in California, or enjoying Chicago’s skyline. These experiences are a testament to the strong bonds between our peoples.”

The evening also celebrated key areas of growing cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia, including commerce, energy, innovation, artificial intelligence, entertainment and space.  

“Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity,” Dilworth said, adding: “I expect we will soon see even more brave and talented American and Saudi astronauts looking down at America the Beautiful from outer space.”

The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring friendship between both nations and a shared vision for a prosperous future.


Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir
Updated 29 min 59 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned a terrorist attack that targeted a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. 

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which led to killing and injuries of dozens,” the frorigen ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  

The attack left at least 26 people dead Tuesday and more than a dozen injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, in what was described as the worst assault targeting civilians in years.

 


$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry
The fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation. (SPA)
Updated 23 April 2025
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$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

Riyadh:  A fine of up to $13,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation for expats who fail to leave the country by the visa expiry date, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the fine will be imposed on any sponsor who fails to report the departure of those they sponsored by the expiration date of the entry visa.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions.