Saudi Arabia says it is satisfied with steps taken to ensure safety of Syrian people

Syrians celebrate as they return to Damascus via Lebanon’s Masnaa border crossing east of Beirut on December 8, 2024, following the fall of the Syrian capital to anti-government fighters. (AFP)
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Updated 08 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia says it is satisfied with steps taken to ensure safety of Syrian people

  • The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people and their choices at this critical stage in Syria’s history

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has followed recent developments in Syria and is satisfied with the positive steps that have been taken to ensure the safety of the Syrian people, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

The Kingdom is also satisfied with steps taken to stop bloodshed in the country and preserve its institutions and capabilities, the ministry added in a statement. 

The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian people and their choices at this critical stage in Syria’s history, and called for concerted efforts to preserve the unity of the country and its people, in a way that protects Syria from slipping into chaos and division.

The ministry also affirmed the Kingdom’s support for everything that would achieve the security and stability of Syria in a way that preserves its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Kingdom calls on the international community to stand by the Syrian people and cooperate with them in everything that serves Syria, and to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.

It said supporting Syria at this stage is extremely important to help it overcome the woes that the Syrian people have suffered over the course of many years, during which foreign militias have ravaged Syria to impose foreign agendas on its people.

It is time for the Syrian people to enjoy the dignified life they deserve, and for all its elements to contribute to shaping a bright future of security, stability, and prosperity, the statement said. 


Authorities record 19,077 violations of residency, labor and border laws in one week

Updated 28 February 2026
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Authorities record 19,077 violations of residency, labor and border laws in one week

  • Saudi authorities recorded 19,077 violations of the country’s residency, labor and border security laws in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recorded 19,077 violations of the country’s residency, labor and border security laws in one week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The Ministry of Interior recorded the offenses between Feb. 19-25, including 13,215 related to residency, 3,396 to border security and 2,466 to labor.

A total of 1,615 people were apprehended after trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 34 percent of whom were from Yemen, 64 percent from Ethiopia and 2 percent from other nationalities.

They also arrested 70 people for trying to leave the country illegally.

Authorities also arrested 10 people involved in the illegal transportation, shelter and employment of violators.

A total of 20,712 expatriates including 19,304 men and 1,408 women are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 14,982 individuals were detained for violating regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents.

In addition, 1,364 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,040 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,700).

Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.