JEDDAH: A total of 29,982 violators of visa and residency regulations have been deported back to their home countries during the month of Muharram this year.

According to government statistics, 9,518 violators are still awaiting final papers for deportation, while security authorities arrested 1,545 people trying to infiltrate Saudi borders during the same period.

Officials confirmed inspection campaigns are ongoing at all locations and violators will face consequences, without exception.

During recent inspections, authorities identified another increase in illegal workers and residents in different locations throughout Riyadh, most of whom are Asian, Pakistani or Yemeni nationals.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor has instructed the General Organization for Social Insurance to set up joint inspection teams to ensure safety and health requirements are in place at all private sector establishments.

These inspections aim to ensure employees are working in safe environments, as per the regulations, to avoid any work injuries, the ministry said. Employers found to be in violation of these regulations will face penalties according to recent amendments of the Labor Law, with fines reaching as high as SR25,000 per offense.

Minister of Interior Prince Mohammed bin Naif recently issued a ministerial decree stating the types of fines to be applied to violators of rules in dealing with foreign workers and violators of regulations. Violators themselves face fines, jail times and deportation, while individuals who cover up or assist them face jail time.