Saudi Arabia arrests 22,500 in crackdown on residency and labour law violations

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has arrested 22,500 individuals in a sweeping week-long crackdown on violations of residency, labour, and border security laws, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior.

The campaign led to the detention of 13,800 individuals for breaching residency regulations, 5,200 for border security violations, and 3,400 for labour law infractions.

Among those apprehended were 1,687 people caught attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, 61 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, 38 per cent Yemeni, and 1 per cent from other nationalities. Another 40 were arrested for attempting to exit Saudi Arabia unlawfully.

Saudi authorities also detained 15 people for their role in transporting, employing, or housing violators.

Currently, enforcement procedures are underway for 18,300 individuals, including 15,700 men and 2,500 women. Of these, 11,000 have already been deported, 11,000 referred to diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 3,200 are awaiting travel arrangements.

The Ministry warned that facilitating illegal entry, employment, or sheltering of violators carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching one million riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used, along with public naming of offenders.

Citizens were urged to report violations via emergency hotlines: 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.