17,976 Arrested in Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown Against Residency, Labor, and Border Violations

In the past week, Saudi Arabia implemented a significant crackdown on individuals violating residency, labor, and border security regulations, resulting in the arrest of 17,976 people across different regions of the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior reported that the arrests occurred during joint field campaigns conducted by various units of the security forces from November 23 to 29.

The extensive operation led to the apprehension of 10,881 individuals for breaching residency regulations, 4,159 for violating border security rules, and 2,936 for contravening labor laws. Additionally, 700 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally cross the Kingdom’s border, with 40% being Yemeni nationals, 56% Ethiopians, and 4% from various other nationalities. Notably, 128 violators were intercepted while attempting to exit Saudi Arabia illegally.

The crackdown also targeted individuals involved in transporting and harboring violators of residency and work regulations, along with those engaged in activities to conceal these illegal actions. Seven such individuals were arrested during the operation.

Presently, legal procedures are underway for 51,267 individuals found in violation of regulations, comprising 44,922 men and 6,345 women. Among these, 45,054 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain the required travel documents, while 2,070 have been directed to finalize their travel reservations. Furthermore, 9,343 violators have already been deported.

The Ministry of Interior stressed that severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a maximum fine of SR1 million, and the confiscation of transportation and accommodation, await anyone found aiding the entry of infiltrators, providing transportation or shelter to violators, or offering any form of assistance or service.