Saudi Arabia Reports Over 20,237 Residency, Labour And Border Violations In One Week
Inspection drives by the Ministry of Interior across Saudi Arabia between January 29 and February 4 led to wide action against residency, labour, and border law breaches, with tens of thousands of expatriates processed and thousands already sent home under existing legal procedures.
Authorities reported that 23,807 expatriates are going through regulatory procedures, including 21,926 men and 1,881 women. Among them, 16,805 were detained for residency or labour violations and instructed to approach their embassies or consulates to secure valid travel documents before departure.
The ministry confirmed 20,237 recorded violations from the campaigns, covering residency, labour, and border regulations. Of these, 12,687 related to residency rules, 4,318 concerned border security provisions, and 3,232 involved labour laws, reflecting coordinated enforcement efforts across several regions of Saudi Arabia.
| Type of violation | Number of cases |
|---|---|
| Residency regulations | 12,687 |
| Border security regulations | 4,318 |
| Labour regulations | 3,232 |
| Total recorded violations | 20,237 |
During the same period, 1,555 people were caught while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. According to the ministry, 40% were Yemenis, 57% were Ethiopians, and 3% were from various other nationalities, highlighting continued monitoring of border areas.
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attempted illegal entrants | 1,555 individuals |
| Yemeni nationals | 40% of entrants |
| Ethiopian nationals | 57% of entrants |
| Other nationalities | 3% of entrants |
| Attempting illegal exit from Kingdom | 61 individuals |
The Ministry of Interior stated that helping anyone enter Saudi Arabia illegally, moving them within the country, or providing housing, support, or any related service can lead to up to 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of SAR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used.
Officials added that these activities are classified as major crimes requiring arrest. During the campaign, 32 people were detained for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators, while 61 others were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully through non-official routes.
Regarding case progress, 2,437 individuals were guided to arrange travel plans after completing procedures. In the same week, 11,656 expatriates were repatriated from Saudi Arabia. The ministry stressed that the aim is to apply residency, labour, and border laws consistently across all groups.
The ministry urged residents and citizens to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of Saudi Arabia. Officials indicated that continued public cooperation supports border security, labour market regulation, and residency compliance, according to the report issued at 14:55 local time (11:55 GMT).
With inputs from SPA
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