Saudi authorities have arrested more than 19,000 people in just one week as part of a nationwide crackdown on violations of residency, labour, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior has announced.
Between February 12 and 18, joint security teams targeted illegal residents and border crossers across the Kingdom. According to official figures, 12,153 people were detained for breaking residency rules, 2,845 for labour law violations, and 4,103 for border-related offences.
During the same period, authorities intercepted 1,663 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those stopped at the border, 54% were Yemeni nationals, 45% Ethiopian, and the rest from other countries. Additionally, 31 people were caught trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The crackdown also targeted those who aid and abet violations. Twenty-eight individuals were arrested for helping others break the law—by transporting, harbouring, employing, or hiding people living or working in the country illegally.
So far, 14,893 violators have already been deported, while 1,389 are in the process of arranging travel and 15,585 have been told to obtain the necessary documents before departure.
Saudi officials have emphasized that penalties are severe for anyone caught facilitating illegal entry or residency. Under the law, offenders can face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to one million riyals, with vehicles and properties used in the process subject to confiscation.
Authorities described these violations as major crimes that breach honour and trust, and urged the public to report any suspicious activities. Residents can contact 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999/996 in other regions, with all reports treated confidentially.
