22.5K Arrested In Saudi Arabia For Breaking Residency Laws

Saudi Arabia has arrested 22,500 people in a major week-long crackdown on residency, labour, and border security violations, according to the Ministry of Interior.

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The campaign led to the arrest of 13,800 people for breaching residency rules, 5,200 for border security violations, and 3,400 for labour law infractions.

Authorities said 1,687 people were caught trying to illegally enter Saudi Arabia. Of these, 61% were Ethiopian, 38% Yemeni, and 1% from other nationalities. Another 40 individuals were arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

Officials also detained 15 people for transporting, employing, or sheltering violators.

Enforcement procedures are ongoing for 18,300 individuals, including 15,700 men and 2,500 women. So far, 11,000 have been deported, 11,000 referred to their diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 3,200 are waiting for travel arrangements.

The Ministry warned that helping violators enter, work, or stay in the country illegally can lead to penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used. Offenders may also be publicly named.

Citizens have been urged to report violations through emergency hotlines: 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.