Saudi Arabia Cracks Down on Illegal Residents, Workers, and Border Crossers
The Ministry of Interior announced that joint security campaigns in Saudi Arabia arrested 22,222 violators of residency, labor, and border security rules in just one week.
All regions of the Kingdom underwent the campaigns between 02/20/1447 AH (August 14, 2025) and 02/26/1447 AH (August 20, 2025). The results showed:
➤ 13,551 violations of the residency system.
➤ 4,665 violations of border security rules.
➤ 4,006 violations of labor regulations. See Also: Saudi Arabia plans voluntary pensions and saving program for expatriates and citizens
The total included 1,786 people arrested while trying to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally, of whom 42% were Yemenis, 57% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. In addition, 33 people were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities also arrested 18 people who were involved in transporting, hiding, or employing violators.
Currently, 25,921 violators are under procedures for deportation and regulation enforcement, including 23,419 men and 2,502 women.
Out of these:
🔘 19,596 were referred to their embassies to issue travel documents.
🔘 1,664 were referred to complete travel bookings.
🔘 12,920 have already been deported.
The Ministry warned that anyone who helps violators by transporting, sheltering, employing, or providing assistance will face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to 1 million riyals, confiscation of vehicles or property used, and public defamation.
The crime is classified as a major offense against honor and trust, and it requires immediate arrest. Recommend: Riyadh police arrest several expats for cable theft
The Ministry urged the public to report violators by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
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| Saudi Arabia Cracks Down on Illegal Residents, Workers, and Border Crossers |