The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) issued 12,371 administrative decisions during the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah 1447 AH through its administrative committees at passport departments across the regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The decisions were issued against citizens and residents for violating residency, labor and border security regulations. Penalties ranged from imprisonment and fines to deportation.

Jawazat urged all citizens and residents, whether business owners or individuals, not to transport, employ or shelter violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, not to cover up for them, and not to provide them with any form of assistance in finding work, housing or transport.

It called on the public to cooperate by reporting violators on 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and on 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. All reports will be treated with full confidentiality and without any liability for the person reporting.

For employers and expatriate workers alike, the figures are a reminder that keeping residency and work status in order avoids penalties.