Over 15,400 violators of Saudi Arabia's residency, labor, and border laws arrested in one week

July 12, 2026 | 03:06 PM

Ministry of Interior.

July 12, 2026 | 03:06 PM

Saudi Gazette

Last Updated: July 12, 2026 | 03:06 PM

3 minute read

AA

Resize

increase-icon

RIYADH — More than 15,400 violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations were arrested across the Kingdom between July 2 and 8, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced.

During joint security campaigns conducted nationwide, Saudi authorities arrested 15,430 violators.

According to the ministry, those arrested included 7,913 violators of residency regulations, 4,037 violators of border security regulations, and 3,480 violators of labor regulations.

Authorities also arrested 1,542 people while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of those, 53 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 46 percent were Yemeni nationals, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

In addition, 30 people were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

The ministry said 27 individuals were arrested for transporting, sheltering, employing, or otherwise assisting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations.

A total of 29,286 violators—including 27,127 men and 2,159 women—are currently undergoing procedures to enforce the relevant regulations.

These procedures include referring 17,353 violators to obtain travel documents, referring 5,438 to complete travel arrangements, and deporting 11,800 violators.

The ministry reiterated that facilitating the illegal entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, transporting them, providing them with shelter or assistance, or offering any form of support or service constitutes a major crime punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of any vehicles or properties used in committing the offense.