Saudi Arabia arrests nearly 16,000 in a week in nationwide crackdown on residency and labour violations

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has arrested 15,928 individuals for violating residency, labour, and border security regulations in a sweeping nationwide campaign carried out between May 1 and May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

Those arrested included 10,179 individuals found in violation of residency rules, 3,912 for breaches of border security, and 1,837 for labour law violations.

Among those apprehended, 1,248 individuals were caught attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia. The Ministry said 63 per cent of them were Ethiopian nationals, 35 per cent Yemeni, and the remaining 2 per cent of other nationalities.

Authorities also detained 45 individuals for attempting to exit the country without proper documentation.

Additionally, 26 individuals were arrested on charges of sheltering, transporting, employing, or otherwise assisting violators.

The Ministry confirmed that 25,689 violators are currently undergoing procedures related to their cases, including 23,946 men and 1,743 women.

As of this week, 19,455 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions for the issuance of travel documents, 1,667 are finalizing travel arrangements, and 12,898 have already been deported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior warned that aiding border violators, whether by providing transportation, housing, or other support, constitutes a major offence under Saudi law.

Violators may face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million , as well as confiscation of vehicles or property used in the process. Offenders may also be publicly named.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE