Saudi Arabia arrests over 21,000 in nationwide crackdown on law violations, deports 10,000

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that more than 21,000 individuals were arrested over the past week in a sweeping nationwide campaign targeting violations of residency, labour and border security regulations.

Among those detained were over 12,500 individuals in breach of residency laws, 5,500 for border-related offences, and nearly 3,000 for labour violations.

The campaign is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to reinforce public order and ensure compliance with national legal frameworks.

Border security units also intercepted 2,072 people attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 47 percent were Yemeni nationals, and 52 per cent were Ethiopian.

Authorities also detained 28 individuals attempting to leave the country unlawfully. Also, 37 people were arrested for facilitating illegal entry, transport, harbouring, or employment of violators — including individuals accused of concealing such offenses.

Currently, more than 14,000 violators are undergoing legal procedures, the majority of whom — approximately 12,400 — are men.

The ministry also reported that 6,200 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,300 are finalising departure procedures, and 10,000 have already been deported.

The ministry reiterated its warning that assisting violators in any way — through shelter, transportation, or employment — is a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of any vehicles or property used.

Convicted individuals will also be publicly named as part of the penalties. The ministry urged all residents and employers to comply fully with the Kingdom’s laws and to report any suspected violations through official channels.