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

Between August 27 and September 2, Saudi authorities conducted joint security campaigns across the country, apprehending 14,165 individuals for violations of residency, labor, and border regulations. These arrests encompassed 7,121 people who broke residency rules, 3,636 for border security infractions, and 3,408 for labor law violations.

Additionally, 1,315 individuals were caught attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia, with 41% of these individuals being Yemeni nationals and 58% Ethiopian nationals. The remaining arrests included 42 people who tried to leave the country illegally.

Moreover, authorities detained 21 individuals for their roles in facilitating the movement of violators—transporting, harboring, employing, or concealing them. As of now, 29,773 violators are undergoing legal proceedings, comprising 27,845 men and 1,928 women. The Ministry of Interior stated that 18,937 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to finalize their travel documents, while 3,240 are awaiting the completion of their travel bookings. A total of 12,363 violators have been deported.

The ministry emphasized that anyone aiding in the entry, transportation, harboring, or support of border security violators faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million riyals, confiscation of vehicles and housing, and public shaming. They described these actions as major crimes that undermine honor and integrity. The ministry encouraged the public to report such violations by dialing 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.