In a comprehensive crackdown on violators of residency, work, and border security regulations, Saudi authorities have arrested a total of 20,093 individuals across various regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The arrests were made during joint inspection campaigns conducted from July 4 to July 10.
The detained individuals include:
- 12,460 violators of residency regulations.
- 5,400 violators of the border security system.
- 2,233 violators of labor laws.
During the campaigns, 1,737 individuals were apprehended for attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 42 percent were Yemenis, 57 percent Ethiopians, and 1 percent from other nationalities. Additionally, 49 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
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Authorities also detained 16 individuals involved in the transportation, sheltering, and employment of these violators.
Currently, 19,841 expatriates (18,209 men and 1,632 women) are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Among them:
- 9,438 individuals have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation.
- 3,833 individuals have been told to complete booking arrangements for their departure.
- 11,655 individuals have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that any person who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, provides them shelter, or any other assistance or service may face severe penalties. These penalties include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million. Vehicles used for transportation and houses used for shelter may also be impounded.
The ministry emphasized that such acts are major crimes warranting arrest and urged citizens and residents to report any violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
