Saudi Arabia mass crackdown: Over 21,000 arrested in just one week for residency, border and labor violations

In a sweeping nationwide operation, Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 21,000 individuals in just seven days for violating residency, border, and labor laws. The Ministry of Interior announced a series of decisive enforcement actions aimed at curbing illegal entry, overstays, and unregulated employment, warning of heavy penalties for those facilitating these violations.

Systematic inspections across the kingdom
Between September 11 and 17, Saudi authorities carried out joint inspection campaigns across the country. These operations were coordinated between security forces and other government agencies, resulting in the arrest of 21,638 violators, as announced by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday.

Breakdown of violations:

• 12,958 arrested for breaching Residency Laws
  
• 4,540 for violating the Border Security Law
  
• 4,140 for infractions against the Labor Law
  
  

These arrests stem from routine checks and targeted crackdowns in both urban and border regions, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enforce domestic regulations governing foreign workers and migration.

Deportations, documentation, and ongoing proceedings
Following the arrests, authorities initiated repatriation processes and legal procedures in line with the Kingdom’s enforcement policies. As of the reporting period:

• 25,533 individuals were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to begin the process of obtaining travel documents.
  
• 1,610 violators were moved to the next phase of deportation by being referred for final travel reservations.
  
• 13,375 individuals were formally deported from the Kingdom during this time.
  
  

Additionally, 32,149 expatriates are currently undergoing regulatory processing. This group includes:

• 29,265 men
  
• 2,884 women
  
  

These individuals are in various stages of legal processing, including investigation, documentation, and administrative procedures.

Illegal border crossings and facilitators targeted

A significant focus of the crackdown was preventing unauthorized entries and exits at the Kingdom’s borders.

During the same period:

• 1,391 people were arrested while attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  • Of these, 54% were Yemeni nationals
    
  • 45% were Ethiopian nationals
    
  • 1% were from other countries
    
    
• 31 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally
  
  

The authorities also arrested 19 individuals for facilitating illegal activities — including transporting, employing, or sheltering violators. These facilitators are now under legal custody and are expected to face formal charges.

Ministry issues strong warning and legal consequences
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward those who support or conceal residency and border law violators. According to the ministry, the following penalties may apply to any person who:

• Assists with illegal entry
  
• Provides transportation, shelter, or any form of support or services
  
  

Maximum penalties include:

• Up to 15 years of imprisonment
  
• Fines reaching SR1 million
  
• Confiscation of any vehicles used for transport or properties used to house violators
  
  

Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected violations. The public can contact:

• 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province
  
• 999 or 996 in other regions
  
  

Continued enforcement mirrors earlier operations in August
This latest campaign builds on similar enforcement actions taken just a month earlier. Between August 7 and 13, security authorities apprehended 21,997 violators during a coordinated national sweep, reflecting the Kingdom’s sustained zero-tolerance approach to illegal residency, border breaches, and unregulated labor practices.

During the August operation:

• 13,434 individuals were found in violation of residency laws
  
• 4,697 were arrested for breaching border security regulations
• 3,866 were caught violating labor laws
  
  

In addition, 1,787 individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally, primarily of Yemeni and Ethiopian origin. Another 27 suspects were detained while attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully. These figures reinforce the persistent challenge posed by illegal crossings and the government’s determination to deter such activity through ongoing enforcement