Saudi authorities arrested 19,328 people over the past week for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.
According to the report, 11,245 individuals were detained for residency law violations, while 4,297 were arrested for illegal attempts to cross the Kingdom’s borders. An additional 3,786 people were taken into custody for labor-related offenses.
Among those caught attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, 54 percent were identified as Ethiopian nationals, 44 percent as Yemeni, and the remaining 2 percent from other nationalities, the report said.
Authorities also apprehended 79 people who were attempting to exit Saudi Arabia illegally, while 22 individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation, shelter, or assistance — is a serious offense. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals (approximately $260,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offenses.
The ministry urged citizens and residents to report any suspected violations. Tips can be submitted via the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and through 999 or 996 in other parts of the country.
Saudi Arabia continues to maintain strict enforcement of its residency and labor laws as part of broader efforts to regulate its labor market and enhance national security.
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