Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saudi Arabia Arrests 19,790 Illegal Residents in One Week
Saudi security authorities arrested 19,790 illegal residents in the past week. These arrests were made during joint inspection campaigns carried out by security forces and other government agencies between November 27 and December 3, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.
The arrests included:
➤ 12,252 people who violated the Residency Law
➤ 4,384 people who violated the Border Security Law
➤ 3,154 people who violated the Labor Law. Trending: Updated Rawdah Al Shairf access and schedules
A total of 21,805 violators were sent to their diplomatic missions to get travel documents. Another 5,370 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations, and 11,148 violators were deported.
Among those arrested, 1,661 people were caught while trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 45% were Yemeni, 54% Ethiopian, and 1% from other nationalities. Another 49 people were arrested while trying to leave the country illegally.
Authorities also arrested 15 people for helping violators by giving them transportation, shelter, or employment. Currently, 31,292 expatriates (including 29,410 men and 1,882 women) are undergoing procedures to enforce legal actions against them.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who helps people enter Saudi Arabia illegally, transports them, shelters them, or provides any form of assistance can be punished with up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR 1 million, and confiscation of any vehicles or houses used in the violation. Most Viewed: Riyadh Zoo reopens for Riyadh Season 2025
The ministry asked the public to report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in all other regions of the Kingdom.
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| Saudi Arabia Arrests 19,790 Illegal Residents in One Week |
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