Saudi Arabia arrests over 18,800 in nationwide crackdown on residency and labour violations

Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 18,800 people in a single week as authorities intensify efforts to curb residency, labour, and border security breaches across the Kingdom.

The inspection campaigns, conducted between January 1 and 7, were carried out across all regions of Saudi Arabia to ensure compliance with residency, work, and border regulations.

Officials recorded 18,836 violations, including:

• 11,710 residency offences
• 4,239 border security violations
• 2,887 labour law breaches

Saudi border and labour violations detailed

Authorities apprehended 1,741 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 39 per cent were Yemenis and 60 per cent were Ethiopians.

In addition, authorities arrested 46 people for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally and detained 19 others for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

A total of 29,823 expatriates — comprising 28,220 men and 1,603 women — are currently undergoing procedures for enforcing relevant regulations.

20,956 individuals were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents.

Authorities told another 5,201 to arrange bookings for departure. Authorities have repatriated 10,195 individuals.

Moreover, the Ministry of Interior reiterated that those who facilitate illegal entry, transport violators, or provide them with shelter or services face severe penalties — including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1m ($267,000).

The ministry said it may confiscate vehicles and properties used in such offences and described these actions as major crimes that warrant arrest.

Public urged to report violations

The Ministry urged the public to report any suspected violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.

Officials in the Kingdom emphasised that continued public cooperation is vital to maintaining security and upholding the rule of law across Saudi Arabia.