Sunday, November 9, 2025
Over 21,000 Illegal Residents Arrested in Saudi Arabia During Weekly Security Campaign
The Saudi security authorities arrested 21,647 illegal residents in one week, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior on Saturday. The arrests were made during joint inspection campaigns carried out between October 30 and November 5 by security forces and other government agencies.
The following individuals were among those arrested:
➤ 12,838 violated the Residency Law,
➤ 4,564 violated the Border Security Law, and
➤ 4,245 violated the Labor Law. Trending: Saudi Arabia to launch self-deportation platform
During the same period, 12,098 illegal residents were deported, while 21,800 violators were sent to their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents. Another 6,012 were referred to complete travel reservations for deportation.
Authorities also detained 1,943 people trying to cross the border illegally into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 45% were Yemenis, 54% were Ethiopians, and 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 37 people were caught trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The report said 26 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, 32,801 expatriates—including 31,207 men and 1,594 women—are being processed under legal procedures.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who helps illegal residents by bringing them into the country, transporting them, providing shelter, or offering any kind of assistance could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR 1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these violations. Most Viewed: 50,000 riyals in reward for whistleblowers in Saudi Arabia
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.
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| Over 21,000 Illegal Residents Arrested in Saudi Arabia During Weekly Security Campaign |
