1,197 were intercepted while attempting to cross border into the kingdom illegally
Dubai: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 individuals last week as part of an intensive, nationwide campaign targeting violations of residency, labour, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced.
The coordinated field operations, conducted across all regions of the country between May 22 and May 28, 2025, resulted in the detention of 7,127 violators of residency laws, 3,441 border security offenders, and 1,561 individuals violating labor regulations.
In addition to those arrested within the Kingdom, 1,197 individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally.
The majority of these 63 per cent Ethiopian and 34 per cent Yemeni nationals, were stopped before entering, as authorities tightened border surveillance.
Another 90 individuals were caught attempting to leave the country through unauthorized routes.
Saudi authorities also apprehended 18 individuals accused of facilitating the transport, harboring, or employment of undocumented workers and border violators.
These individuals face charges of helping and abetting illegal residency and labor activities, offenses classified under Saudi law as serious crimes warranting detention, public naming, and severe penalties.
The crackdown is part of an ongoing national campaign to enforce immigration and labor laws, an effort that has seen 19,238 violators currently undergoing legal processing, including 17,930 men and 1,308 women.
As of this week: 14,065 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents; 1,533 violators are finalizing travel arrangements for deportation and 11,094 individuals have already been deported.
In its statement, the Interior Ministry reiterated that individuals or entities found assisting illegal residents or laborers, including through transport, housing, or employment, are subject to prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines up to SR 1 million, and confiscation of any vehicles or property used in the offence.
-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE
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