Saudi Arabia arrests over 23,000 residency violators in a week

Dubai: Saudi authorities have arrested more than 23,000 individuals across the Kingdom in a weeklong crackdown on violations of residency, labour, and border security regulations, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

 The arrests were made during joint field campaigns conducted between July 10 and July 16, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing effort to enforce national laws governing immigration and employment.

Of the 23,167 people detained, 14,525 were found to be in violation of residency laws, 5,511 were arrested for breaching border security regulations, and 3,131 were charged with labour law violations.

Apart from those detained within the Kingdom, 1,593 individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally.

The ministry reported that 69 per cent of those individuals were Ethiopian nationals, 30 per cent were Yemenis, and the remainder were of other nationalities. Another 41 individuals were caught trying to leave the country without authorisation.

Authorities also arrested 22 people accused of transporting, employing, or sheltering violators, or providing other forms of assistance.

As of this week, 16,441 individuals are undergoing legal procedures, including 14,255 men and 2,186 women.

The ministry reported that 8,622 of those detained have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,393 are currently in the process of booking travel for deportation. A total of 10,587 individuals have already been deported.

In its statement, the ministry renewed its warning that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into the Kingdom, offers shelter, transportation, or any form of support to violators, faces harsh penalties.

These include up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1million Saudi riyals (approximately $267,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offense. Offenders may also be publicly named.

Saudi officials classify such violations as major crimes that threaten public integrity and warrant detention. The ministry urged the public to report any suspected violations by calling 911 in the regions of Mecca, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Medina, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the country.