Saudi Arabia arrests 17,863 illegal residents in a week

Dubai: Saudi authorities arrested 17,863 illegal residents across the Kingdom last week in a sweeping campaign targeting violations of residency, labour, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior has announced.

The coordinated inspections, conducted between June 26 and July 2, involved security forces working alongside various government agencies.

Among those detained were 10,746 violators of residency regulations, 4,362 found in breach of border security laws, and 2,755 in violation of labour laws, the ministry said in its statement.

Authorities reported that 1,507 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 65 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, 33 per cent were Yemenis, and the remainder from other nationalities.

In addition, 26 individuals were arrested on charges of facilitating violations — by providing transportation, shelter, or employment to those residing in the country illegally. A total of 8,051 violators have already been deported.

Another 6,839 were referred to their respective embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, while 2,392 are in the process of finalising travel arrangements.

The ministry said that 13,362 individuals—including 11,874 men and 1,488 women — are currently undergoing legal proceedings as part of enforcement measures.

In a warning to the public, the Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone found aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom, offering transport, shelter, or other assistance, could face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SR1 million.

Vehicles and properties used to facilitate such violations are also subject to confiscation. Citizens and residents are urged to report any suspected violations by calling 911 in the regions of Mecca Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the country.