Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 21,000 in One Week During Nationwide Residency and Labour Law Crackdown
Interior Ministry reports more than twenty-one thousand violations in seven days, with illegal border crossings and facilitators facing severe penalties
Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 21,000 people in a single week as part of a sweeping nationwide inspection campaign targeting violations of residency, labour and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced.
Between February 5 and February 11, authorities recorded 21,029 violations during coordinated operations across the Kingdom.
Of these, 12,875 were linked to breaches of residency regulations, 4,778 related to border security violations and 3,376 involved labour law infractions.
The figures underscore the scale of enforcement measures aimed at reinforcing compliance with national regulations.
Border authorities apprehended 2,307 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally during the same period.
According to official figures, 47 percent of those arrested were Yemeni nationals, 52 percent were Ethiopian nationals and 1 percent were from other nationalities.
An additional 75 individuals were detained while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
Enforcement efforts also extended to those accused of facilitating violations.
Twenty-nine people were arrested on allegations of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals found to be in breach of residency, labour or border security laws.
The ministry confirmed that 23,312 expatriates — including 22,040 men and 1,272 women — are currently undergoing legal procedures to enforce compliance.
A further 16,121 individuals were detained and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documentation.
Authorities advised 2,270 individuals to arrange departures, while 13,213 people were repatriated during the reporting period.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who assists illegal entry into the Kingdom, transports violators within its territory, or provides shelter or services to them may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching one million Saudi riyals.
Vehicles and properties used in such activities are subject to confiscation.
Officials emphasised that these offences are classified as major crimes warranting arrest.
The ministry urged the public to report suspected violations by calling designated emergency numbers across the Kingdom, stressing that inspection campaigns will continue to ensure adherence to residency, labour and border security regulations.
Between February 5 and February 11, authorities recorded 21,029 violations during coordinated operations across the Kingdom.
Of these, 12,875 were linked to breaches of residency regulations, 4,778 related to border security violations and 3,376 involved labour law infractions.
The figures underscore the scale of enforcement measures aimed at reinforcing compliance with national regulations.
Border authorities apprehended 2,307 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally during the same period.
According to official figures, 47 percent of those arrested were Yemeni nationals, 52 percent were Ethiopian nationals and 1 percent were from other nationalities.
An additional 75 individuals were detained while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
Enforcement efforts also extended to those accused of facilitating violations.
Twenty-nine people were arrested on allegations of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals found to be in breach of residency, labour or border security laws.
The ministry confirmed that 23,312 expatriates — including 22,040 men and 1,272 women — are currently undergoing legal procedures to enforce compliance.
A further 16,121 individuals were detained and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documentation.
Authorities advised 2,270 individuals to arrange departures, while 13,213 people were repatriated during the reporting period.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who assists illegal entry into the Kingdom, transports violators within its territory, or provides shelter or services to them may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching one million Saudi riyals.
Vehicles and properties used in such activities are subject to confiscation.
Officials emphasised that these offences are classified as major crimes warranting arrest.
The ministry urged the public to report suspected violations by calling designated emergency numbers across the Kingdom, stressing that inspection campaigns will continue to ensure adherence to residency, labour and border security regulations.
