Over 13,000 violators of residency, labor and border laws arrested in Saudi Arabia in one week
Saudi authorities detained 13,822 violators of residency, labor, and border security laws nationwide in a week-long campaign, with thousands referred for deportation.
Key Takeaways
AIThe Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 13,822 violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across Saudi Arabia between October 8 and 14, 2026 (27 Rabi Al-Akhir to 3 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH).
The ministry stated that the arrests included 6,547 for residency violations, 3,896 for border security breaches, and 3,379 for labor law violations.
Authorities also apprehended 2,021 individuals attempting to illegally cross into the Kingdom, in addition to 28 people trying to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
The ministry reported the arrest of 24 people involved in transporting, harboring, employing, or concealing violators.
Legal procedures and penalties
Currently, 34,834 violators are undergoing legal procedures, including 32,433 men and 2,401 women. A total of 20,190 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 6,509 have been referred to complete travel bookings, and 9,454 have been deported.
The Ministry of Interior stressed that facilitating the entry, transport, shelter, or assistance of border security violators is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million riyals (SAR), confiscation of vehicles and residences used, and public naming of offenders.
The ministry emphasized that this crime is considered a major offense warranting arrest and is a breach of honor and trust. The public is urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.