Saudi Arabia Reports 18,200 Residency, Labour And Border Violations In One Week

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported 18,200 violations of residency, labour, and border regulations during inspection campaigns conducted between January 15 and 21. The operations led to widespread enforcement measures, including arrests, deportations, and ongoing legal procedures involving thousands of expatriates across different regions of the Kingdom.

The ministry stated that the recorded violations included 11,442 related to residency rules, 3,931 linked to border security, and 2,827 concerning labour laws. These figures emerged from nationwide field inspections designed to check compliance with regulations governing foreign residents and border controls during the specified period.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

Authorities reported that 25,477 expatriates, including 23,443 men and 2,034 women, are currently subject to procedures to apply the regulations. Within this group, 18,685 individuals were detained for breaching the rules and were instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to secure valid travel documents before departure.

Further steps included advising 3,011 individuals to finalise their travel plans, while 14,451 people were repatriated from Saudi Arabia after completing the required formalities. The ministry highlighted that these actions form part of an organised process that moves offenders from detention to documentation, then to travel arrangements and removal from the Kingdom.

Border authorities apprehended 1,762 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. According to the figures, 46% were Yemenis, 53% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. Officials also arrested 46 people accused of trying to leave Saudi Arabia illegally, in addition to detaining 11 individuals suspected of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom. These measures underline ongoing efforts to enforce residency, labour, and border security laws through public cooperation and sustained inspections.

With inputs from SPA