S. Arabia Arrests Over 22,000 for Residency, Labour and Border Violations in One Week

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of more than 22,000 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on residency, labour and border security violations conducted between August 14 and 20.

 

According to officials, the joint operations involved security forces and multiple government agencies, resulting in the detention of 22,222 offenders. These included 13,551 violators of residency regulations, 4,665 border law offenders and 4,006 labour law violators.

 

Nearly 20,000 detainees were referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 1,664 others were arranging departure procedures. By the end of the week, 12,920 individuals had been deported.

 

Authorities also intercepted 1,786 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, mostly Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals, and 33 individuals trying to leave unlawfully. Additionally, 18 suspects were detained for allegedly providing transportation, shelter or employment to violators.

 

In total, legal proceedings are underway against 25,921 expatriates, comprising 23,419 men and 2,502 women.

 

The Interior Ministry reiterated that facilitating illegal entry, housing or employment carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines up to 1 million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offences. Citizens and residents are urged to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

 

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