Saudi Arabia: More than 22,600 residency and labour law violators arrested in a week

Dubai: Saudi authorities arrested 22,663 violators across the country between February 6 and 12, in a series of joint field security campaigns conducted in coordination with various government agencies.

The kingdom also deported 10,822 illegal residents during the same period as part of an ongoing crackdown on residency and labour violations, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

Those detained included 13,799 violators of the Residency Law, 5,594 violators of the Border Security Law and 3,270 violators of the Labor Law.

The crackdown also targeted illegal border crossings, with security forces intercepting 2,133 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom, the ministry reported.

Of those detained, 36 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 63 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and 1 per cent belonged to other nationalities. Additionally, 184 people were arrested while attempting to exit the country unlawfully.

Authorities have also taken action against those helping illegal residents. Fourteen individuals were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators, with the government continuing to enforce strict measures against those who facilitate unlawful residency or employment.

At present, 38,777 individuals — 34,708 men and 4,069 women — are undergoing legal procedures related to their violations, pending deportation or further action.

Additionally, 29,510 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 3,678 individuals are in the process of completing their travel arrangements.

The Ministry of Interior warned those who facilitate illegal residency in the Kingdom. Under Saudi law, anyone found guilty of harbouring, transporting, or assisting illegal residents faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR 1 million ($266,000). Vehicles used for transportation and properties used for sheltering illegal residents will also be confiscated.