17/10/2026
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17/10/2026
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RIYADH, Oct 17 : Saudi authorities arrested 13,822 people for violating residency, labour and border security regulations during a week-long nationwide crackdown from Oct 8 to 14, 2026, the Ministry of Interior announced.
According to the ministry, the arrests included 6,547 people for residency violations, 3,896 for border security violations and 3,379 for labour law violations.
During the same period, security authorities apprehended 2,021 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, while 28 others were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
Authorities also arrested 24 people accused of transporting, sheltering, employing or concealing individuals who violated the regulations.
More than 34,000 violators are undergoing legal procedures
The ministry said 34,834 violators were currently undergoing legal procedures, including 32,433 men and 2,401 women.
Of those, 20,190 had been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 6,509 had been referred to complete travel arrangements.
A further 9,454 violators had been deported, the ministry said.
Severe penalties for aiding violators
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry, transportation, sheltering, employment or concealment of border security violators could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million.
Vehicles and properties used to facilitate such offences may also be confiscated, and offenders may be publicly named, according to the ministry.
It described these offences as major crimes warranting arrest and said they constituted a breach of honour and trust.
Public urged to report violations
The ministry urged residents to report suspected violations through the designated security hotlines.
Reports can be made by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
The ministry reiterated that security authorities would continue enforcing residency, labour and border regulations as part of efforts to protect national security and curb illegal entry and employment.
