Over 13,900 violators of residency, labor and border laws arrested in Saudi Arabia in one week

Joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations were conducted across all regions of the Kingdom from 4/05/1448 AH (October 15, 2026) to 10/05/1448 AH (October 21, 2026), resulting in the following outcomes:

First: A total of 13,905 violators were arrested during the joint security campaigns nationwide, including 6,554 for residency violations, 3,865 for border security violations, and 3,486 for labor law violations.

Second: Authorities apprehended 1,881 people attempting to illegally cross into the Kingdom, and 22 individuals trying to leave the country unlawfully.

Third: Twenty-one individuals were arrested for involvement in transporting, sheltering, employing, or concealing violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations.

Fourth: Currently, 37,618 violators are undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations, including 35,449 men and 2,169 women.

Fifth: A total of 20,252 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 6,555 were referred to complete travel bookings, and 7,934 were deported.

The Ministry of Interior stressed that anyone who facilitates the entry, transport, shelter, or provision of any assistance or service to border security violators faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million riyals (SAR), confiscation of the means of transport and accommodation used, and public naming.

The ministry clarified that this crime is considered a major offense warranting detention and is a breach of honor and integrity. It urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.