Saudi Arabia arrested 14,242 illegal residents in week-long crackdown, enforcing residency, labour and border laws/Image: Getty Images
Saudi Arabia’s security forces have detained thousands of illegal residents in a nationwide crackdown, as authorities step up enforcement of residency, labour, and border regulations while warning of severe penalties for anyone offering assistance to violators. The Ministry of Interior said a total of 14,242 individuals were arrested during joint inspection campaigns carried out between 26 March and 1 April in coordination with multiple government agencies. The arrests covered a range of violations, with 7,884 linked to breaches of the Residency Law, 3,948 to the Border Security Law, and 2,410 to the Labour Law. Authorities also outlined the follow-up actions taken after the arrests. A total of 23,815 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 6,808 were directed to complete their travel bookings. In addition, 6,285 individuals have already been deported. Border enforcement remained a key focus during the period. Officials reported that 1,449 people were detained while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 27 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 71 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining two per cent were from other nationalities. A further 29 individuals were arrested while trying to leave the country unlawfully. The crackdown also targeted those supporting illegal residency. Security forces arrested 25 individuals accused of providing transportation, shelter, or employment to violators. Meanwhile, a total of 36,365 expatriates, including 32,309 men and 4,056 women, are currently undergoing legal procedures as authorities move to enforce regulations. The Ministry of Interior reiterated that strict penalties apply to anyone facilitating illegal entry or offering assistance to undocumented individuals. These include prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines of up to SR1 million. Authorities added that vehicles used for transportation and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated. Members of the public have been urged to report violations through designated emergency numbers. The ministry advised residents to call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, while 999 and 996 can be used in other regions across the Kingdom.
