Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 19,000 Illegal Residents in Week-Long Crackdown

Nationwide Enforcement Targets Violators

Saudi security authorities have announced the arrest of 19,077 individuals for violating residency, labor, and border security laws across the Kingdom within the past week. The arrests were made during joint inspection campaigns conducted by security forces in collaboration with various government agencies between February 19 and February 25.

The Ministry of Interior revealed that the comprehensive operations targeted individuals found to be in breach of the Kingdom's regulations, underscoring an ongoing commitment to enforcing legal frameworks governing foreign residents and workers.

Breakdown of Violations and Legal Proceedings

The arrests encompassed a range of infractions:

• 13,215 individuals were apprehended for violating the Residency Law.
• 3,396 individuals were arrested for breaching the Border Security Law.
• 2,466 individuals were detained for violating the Labor Law.

Following their apprehension, 14,982 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain necessary travel documents. Additionally, 1,364 individuals have been directed to complete their travel reservations, and 11,040 violators have already been deported from the Kingdom.

Border Security and Facilitator Arrests

The crackdown also focused on border security, resulting in the arrest of 1,615 people attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 64 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 34 percent were Yemeni nationals, and 2 percent belonged to other nationalities. Furthermore, 70 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

In a move to deter those who aid illegal entry and residence, authorities also arrested 10 individuals accused of providing transportation, shelter, or employment to violators. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its warning that facilitating illegal entry or providing assistance to violators can lead to severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, along with the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in such offenses.

Ongoing Legal Measures

Currently, a total of 20,712 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures to enforce relevant measures. This group includes 19,304 men and 1,408 women, highlighting the extensive nature of the ongoing enforcement efforts by Saudi authorities.