24/05/2026
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24/05/2026
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RIYADH, May 24: Saudi security forces arrested 8,943 illegal residents during nationwide inspection campaigns carried out over one week, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.
The arrests were conducted between May 14 and 20 in coordination with relevant government agencies as part of ongoing joint field inspections targeting violations of residency, border security, and labor laws.
According to the ministry, the detainees included 4,638 violators of the Residency Law, 2,810 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,495 violators of the Labor Law.
Authorities also reported that 1,158 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 61% were Ethiopian nationals, 38% were Yemeni nationals, and 1% belonged to other nationalities. In addition, 54 individuals were detained while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The ministry said 9,832 illegal residents were deported during the same period, while 16,402 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 1,619 individuals were referred to complete travel arrangements. Authorities added that 8 people were arrested for facilitating illegal entry, transportation, shelter, or employment of violators.
Currently, 23,679 expatriates—including 22,629 men and 1,050 women—are undergoing legal procedures, the ministry said.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, transport, or shelter of violators faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. It also stated that vehicles and properties used in such activities may be confiscated.
Authorities urged the public to report violations through designated emergency numbers across the Kingdom.
