Saudi Authorities Arrest Over 25,000 for Residency and Border Violations

Saudi authorities have arrested 25,150 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on residency, labor, and border security violations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.

The arrests were made during a week-long campaign targeting violators of the Kingdom’s residency and labor laws, as well as those attempting to enter the country illegally. According to official figures, 17,886 people were detained for violating residency regulations, while 4,247 individuals were apprehended for illegal border crossing attempts. Additionally, 3,017 people faced arrest for labor-related infractions.

Among those caught trying to enter the Kingdom without authorization, 69 percent were identified as Ethiopian nationals, 28 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining 3 percent were of other nationalities. Authorities also detained 63 individuals attempting to exit Saudi Arabia through unauthorized channels.

Furthermore, 36 individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in smuggling, transporting, and harboring illegal residents, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining border security.

The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its firm stance on illegal entry and unauthorized residency, warning that individuals found guilty of aiding and abetting violators—including providing transportation and shelter—could face severe legal consequences. Penalties for such offenses include imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines reaching SR1 million ($260,000), and confiscation of vehicles and properties used in the illicit activities.

Authorities have urged the public to report any suspected violations through designated hotlines. Residents in the Makkah and Riyadh regions can call 911, while those in other regions of the Kingdom can report infractions via 999 or 996.

This large-scale enforcement effort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiatives to regulate labor practices, strengthen border security, and curb illegal immigration, ensuring compliance with national laws and safeguarding the country’s social and economic stability.