Saudi Arabia: 23,094 Residency, Labor, and Border Law Violators Arrested in One Week

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of 23,094 violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations during joint field campaigns conducted across the Kingdom between October 9 and October 15, 2025. The operations, carried out in coordination with multiple government agencies, reflect the Kingdom’s continued enforcement of immigration and labor laws.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the total number includes 13,604 violators of the Residency Law, 4,816 violators of the Border Security Law, and 4,674 violators of the Labor Law. Among those arrested, 22,989 individuals were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,568 were processed to complete their travel arrangements, and 13,725 were deported from the Kingdom during the same period.

Authorities also reported that 2,061 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally cross the border into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 43% were Yemeni nationals, 56% were Ethiopian nationals, and 1% belonged to other nationalities. In addition, 27 people were caught trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.

Efforts to combat those aiding illegal immigration were also active. Seventeen individuals were arrested for providing transportation, shelter, or employment to violators of the law. As of now, 31,614 expatriates, including 29,933 men and 1,681 women, are undergoing legal procedures in preparation for deportation or other legal action.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its warning that facilitating illegal entry, movement, shelter, or employment within the Kingdom is a serious crime. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of any vehicles or properties used in such activities. Authorities also urged the public to report any suspected violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.

These enforcement actions align with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to regulate its labor market, secure its borders, and maintain public order in line with national laws.