Sunday, December 28, 2025
Saudi Arabia Arrests 18,877 Illegal Residents in Just 7 Days.
Saudi security authorities arrested 18,877 illegal residents in one week during nationwide inspection campaigns. The Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that the arrests took place between December 18 and December 24.
Security forces and relevant government agencies across the Kingdom carried out the inspections jointly. Trending: Saudi Arabia gives 10-days grace period to correct illegal rent increases
Breakdown of Violations
Among those arrested:
➤ 11,991 people violated the Residency Law
➤ 3,808 people violated the Border Security Law
➤ 3,078 people violated the Labor Law
During this period:
🔘 13,241 illegal residents were deported
🔘 20,378 violators were referred to their embassies to obtain travel documents
🔘 4,465 violators were referred to complete travel arrangements
Illegal Border Crossings
Authorities arrested 1,312 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally:
🔹 44% were Yemeni nationals
🔹 55% were Ethiopian nationals
🔹 1% were from other nationalities
In addition, 46 people were arrested while trying to leave the Kingdom illegally. Most Viewed: SAMA launches Electronic Check Clearing Service
Arrests for Aiding Violators
Security forces also arrested 14 people for helping violators by providing:
■ Transportation
■ Shelter
■ Employment
Currently, 28,937 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures. This includes:
👉 27,259 men
👉 1,678 women
Strict Penalties for Violators
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who assists illegal residents by providing support or resources will face strict penalties.
🚫 Facilitating illegal entry
🚫 Transporting them
🚫 Providing housing
🚫 Offering any form of assistance
will face severe punishment, including
✓ Up to 15 years in prison
✓ A fine of up to SR1 million
✓ Confiscation of vehicles or properties used to transport or shelter violators. See Also: Lowest temperatures ever recorded in KSA
Public Urged to Report Violations
The ministry urged the public to report violations immediately:
✅ Call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province
✅ Call 999 or 996 in all other regions of Saudi Arabia
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| Saudi Arabia Arrests 18,877 Illegal Residents in Just 7 Days |
