Sunday, October 19, 2025
Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 23,000 Illegal Residents in One Week | Ministry of Interior Crackdown
Saudi security authorities arrested 23,094 illegal residents during the last week, according to the Ministry of Interior. Security forces and other government agencies carried out joint inspections between October 9 and October 15, leading to the arrests. Most Viewed: Defaming others on social media in Saudi Arabia is a cybercrime
Among those arrested:
■ 13,604 violated the Residency Law
■ 4,816 violated the Border Security Law
■ 4,674 violated the Labor Law
A total of 22,989 violators were sent to their diplomatic missions to get travel documents, while 3,568 were referred to complete travel bookings, and 13,725 were deported.
■ 4,816 violated the Border Security Law
■ 4,674 violated the Labor Law
A total of 22,989 violators were sent to their diplomatic missions to get travel documents, while 3,568 were referred to complete travel bookings, and 13,725 were deported.
Authorities also stopped 2,061 people who tried to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 43% were Yemeni, 56% were Ethiopian, and 1% were of other nationalities. Another 27 people were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Additionally, 17 individuals were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.
Currently, 31,614 expatriates (including 29,933 men and 1,681 women) are undergoing legal procedures for their violations.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who helps illegal residents—by bringing them in, transporting, housing, or assisting them—faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of any vehicles or houses used in the crime.
The ministry also urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. Recommend: Saudi Arabia enforces second phase of Saudization for Health professions
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| Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 23,000 Illegal Residents in One Week Ministry of Interior Crackdown |
