05/04/2026
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05/04/2026
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RIYADH, Apr 5: Saudi authorities have arrested 14,242 people in a single week for violations of residency, work, and border security regulations, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Officials said 7,884 individuals were detained for breaching residency laws, while 3,948 people were arrested for attempting illegal border crossings. A further 2,410 individuals were held over labour-related violations.
The Ministry warned that those found guilty of facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transport or shelter — could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($267,000), and confiscation of vehicles and property. Authorities also urged the public to report violations via 911 in Riyadh and Makkah, and 999 or 996 in other regions.
Separately, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that holders of expired Umrah visas will be allowed to leave the Kingdom without penalties until April 18, 2026, provided their visas expired on or around Ramadan 8 (February 25). The exemption allows affected individuals to depart through international ports without the need for visa extensions.
The decision comes amid significant regional travel disruption following widespread airspace closures and aviation restrictions linked to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict, which has led airlines to reroute, delay, or cancel flights across the Middle East.
According to aviation data firm Cirium, more than 40,000 flights were cancelled between February 28 and March 9, severely impacting major regional hubs, including airports across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
