23,194 arrested in a week in Saudi operation targeting violators of residency and border laws
Among those held, 1,536 intercepted while attempting to cross border into kingdom
Dubai: Some 23,194 individuals have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for violating residency, labour and border security laws in a nationwide operation conducted between December 19 and December 25, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.
The arrests were made during joint field security campaigns carried out in coordination with relevant government agencies.
The detained individuals include 13,083 violators of residency regulations, 6,210 violators of border security laws, and 3,901 violators of labour laws. Among those apprehended, 1,536 were intercepted while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally.
Of these, 41 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 57 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and the rest belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, 57 individuals were detained while trying to leave the Kingdom without authorisation.
The crackdown also targeted individuals facilitating illegal activities. Twenty-three people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Meanwhile, 31,139 expatriates — 28,605 men and 2,534 women —are currently undergoing legal procedures.
As part of the deportation process, 21,843 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 4,025 were referred to complete travel arrangements, and 9,904 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior warned that those who facilitate illegal entry, provide transportation or shelter, or offer any form of assistance to violators could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Properties and vehicles used in these activities will also be confiscated.
The ministry urged the public to report violations through the designated hotline: 911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 for other regions of the Kingdom.
