Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 22,000 in Crackdown on Residency Violations

Saudi Arabia has announced that more than 22,000 arrests were made in just a single week as part of a major crackdown on residency, labor, and security breaches. The inspection campaigns, which ran from August 29 to September 4, aimed to enforce compliance with regulations across the Kingdom.

The recent operations resulted in a total of 22,021 recorded violations, including 14,508 residency violations, 4,511 border security breaches, and 3,002 labor law infractions.

Among those apprehended, 998 individuals were caught trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, with 39% being from Yemen, 60% from Ethiopia, and 1% from other nationalities. Additionally, 41 people were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom illegally, while 11 were detained for their roles in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

Currently, 15,108 expatriates (13,996 men and 1,112 women) are undergoing procedures to ensure adherence to regulations. Of these, 5,917 individuals have been detained for legal breaches and are in the process of contacting their respective embassies or consulates for appropriate travel documentation. Meanwhile, 2,249 have been instructed to arrange their departure, and 11,242 have already been repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that facilitating illegal entry, transport, or assistance to such individuals can result in severe penalties. Those found guilty could face up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching SR1 million ($267,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these activities.