Saudi Arabia Arrests 21,320 Violators of Residency and Labor Laws in One Week

RIYADH, Mar 14: Security authorities in Saudi Arabia arrested 21,320 violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted between 16/9/1447 AH and 22/9/1447 AH, according to the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

The ministry said 15,339 individuals were arrested for violating labor regulations, while 3,687 were found to be in breach of residency laws and 2,294 were detained for violating border security rules.

Authorities also apprehended 1,683 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 62 percent were of Ethiopian nationality, 36 percent were from Yemen, while two percent were from other nationalities.

In addition, 72 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom irregularly.

The ministry said 22 individuals were detained for involvement in transporting, harboring, employing, or concealing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations.

Currently, 21,573 expatriate violators—19,965 men and 1,608 women—are undergoing legal procedures. Authorities have referred 14,363 violators to obtain travel documents, while 2,206 have been directed to complete travel bookings ahead of deportation. A total of 8,104 individuals have already been deported.

The ministry warned that facilitating the illegal entry of border violators, transporting them, providing shelter, or offering assistance could result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offense.

Authorities urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom, assuring that all reports would be handled confidentially.