Saudi Authorities Record Over 20,000 Residency, Labor, and Border Violations in Nationwide Crackdown
- SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Riyadh, April 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Ministry of Interior has announced the results of comprehensive inspection campaigns conducted across the Kingdom from April 10 to 16 to enforce residency, labor, and border security laws.
According to official figures, a total of 20,688 violations were documented during the inspection period. These included 12,372 violations related to residency, 4,750 related to border security, and 3,566 violations of labor regulations.
The ministry also reported the interception of 1,264 individuals attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, with 61% identified as Ethiopian nationals, 36% as Yemeni, and the remaining 3% from other nationalities. In addition, 93 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
Authorities further confirmed the arrest of 27 people accused of transporting, harboring, or employing violators of the Kingdom’s laws.
As part of ongoing procedures, 32,417 expatriates—including 30,038 men and 2,379 women—are currently undergoing the necessary legal processes to implement regulatory actions. Among them, 24,811 violators have been instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documentation, 2,936 have been directed to arrange travel bookings, and 12,235 have already been repatriated.
In its official statement, the Ministry of Interior issued a strong warning: “Any individual found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators within its borders, or providing them with shelter, services, or any form of assistance will face severe penalties.” These penalties include up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the process.
The ministry classified such activities as major offenses warranting immediate arrest, and urged the public to support enforcement efforts by reporting violations. Citizens and residents in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region are advised to call 911, while those in other parts of the Kingdom should contact 999 or 996.
The inspection campaigns reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to uphold national security, safeguard labor market integrity, and ensure lawful residency across the Kingdom.