Saudi Arabia arrests nearly 14,000 for residency and labor violations
Security forces conducted nationwide inspection campaigns from October 15 to 21, the Ministry of Interior announced.
At a glance
- 13,905 arrests made for residency, labor and border security violations during one-week campaign
- 1,881 people apprehended attempting illegal entry; 22 arrested for unauthorized border crossing attempts
- 7,934 violators deported during the reporting period; 37,618 total expatriate violators undergoing legal procedures
- 21 individuals arrested for assisting violators; penalties include up to 15 years imprisonment and fines up to SR1 million
Saudi security authorities arrested 13,905 people for violating residency, labor and border security regulations during nationwide inspection campaigns from October 15 to 21, according to the Ministry of Interior. The arrests included 6,554 residency violators, 3,865 border security violators and 3,486 labor violators. An additional 1,881 people were apprehended attempting to enter the country illegally, while 22 were arrested for attempting to leave through unauthorized crossings.
Authorities also arrested 21 individuals for transporting, sheltering or concealing violators. A total of 37,618 expatriate violators are undergoing legal procedures. During the period, 7,934 violators were deported, while 20,252 were referred to diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
Why it matters
The operation reflects ongoing enforcement of immigration and labor regulations. The ministry warned that assisting violators faces severe legal consequences.
Original reporting
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