Sunday, October 12, 2025
21,403 Illegal Residents Arrested in Saudi Arabia During Nationwide Inspections
Saudi security authorities arrested 21,403 illegal residents in one week, according to the Ministry of Interior. The arrests happened during joint inspection campaigns conducted by security forces and other government agencies between October 2 and October 8. Most Viewed: TGA cracks down on illegal taxis in Saudi Arabia
Among those arrested:
➤ 12,439 violated the Residency Law,
➤ 4,650 violated the Border Security Law, and
➤ 4,314 violated the Labor Law.
Authorities referred 23,824 violators to their embassies to get travel documents, while 2,764 were sent to complete travel bookings, and 11,849 were deported from the Kingdom.
During the same period, 1,874 people were caught trying to cross the border illegally into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 45% were Yemeni, 54% Ethiopian, and 1% from other nationalities. Another 36 people were arrested while trying to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Officials also arrested 29 individuals for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. In total, 31,344 expatriates (including 29,840 men and 1,504 women) are now under legal procedures for violating regulations.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who helps illegal entrants, transports them, or provides shelter or services to them could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million Saudi Riyals. Authorities will also seize vehicles or properties used for these violations. Recommend: Saudi Arabia to introduce new sugar-based tax on sweetened beverages
The ministry urged citizens and residents to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
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| 21,403 Illegal Residents Arrested in Saudi Arabia During Nationwide Inspections |
