Over 14,000 violators of residency, labor and border laws arrested in one week

In a week-long joint operation across Saudi Arabia, authorities arrested over 14,000 individuals for violations of residency, labor, and border security laws, according to the Ministry of Interior. From August 13 to 19, 2026, 14,260 people were apprehended, including 6,900 for residency breaches, 3,982 for border security infractions, and 3,378 for labor law transgressions.

The majority of those detained were attempting to breach the kingdom's borders, with 1,524 caught crossing illegally. Among these, 36% were Yemeni nationals, 63% Ethiopian nationals, and just 1% from other countries. Authorities additionally detained 38 people for their roles in facilitating illegal departures from Saudi Arabia.

The campaigns also uncovered 24 individuals involved in the transportation, harboring, employment, or concealment of lawbreakers. As of now, 31,922 violators are navigating legal proceedings, comprising 29,961 men and 1,961 women. Of these, 18,808 have been handed over to their diplomatic missions to finalize travel documentation, 5,386 to complete travel bookings, and 13,724 have been deported.

The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning, stating that anyone aiding border security violators faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million riyals, confiscation of vehicles and properties, and public naming. They emphasized that this crime is a major offense, warranting detention and is considered dishonorable. The public is urged to report such violations through emergency numbers 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.