Saudi Arabian security forces arrested 11,952 illegal residents during a nationwide crackdown that lasted one week, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The joint inspection campaigns, carried out with relevant government agencies, ran from November 5 to 11 and targeted violations of the Kingdom’s residency, border security and labour laws.
The ministry said 6,163 people were arrested for breaching the Residency Law, 3,225 for violating the Border Security Law and 2,564 for breaking the Labour Law. Of those held, 1,653 were caught trying to enter the country illegally and 29 while attempting to leave through unauthorised routes.
Deportations, referrals and legal cases
Over the same period, authorities deported 11,418 violators. A further 22,451 were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 9,800 were told to complete their own travel arrangements.
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The ministry also said 40,762 expatriates, including 38,383 men and 2,379 women, are undergoing legal procedures over various violations. Security forces additionally arrested 15 individuals accused of providing transport, accommodation or employment to people breaking residency, border and labour rules.
Warnings to facilitators and reporting hotlines
The ministry warned that anyone helping illegal entry, transporting violators, sheltering them or offering other assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. It added that vehicles used to move violators and properties used to shelter them could also be confiscated.
Citizens and residents were urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
