Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to curb illegal residency by arresting approximately 25,150 illegal residents across various regions in just one week, according to a report by Saudi Gazette.
The arrests were made as part of joint field security campaigns conducted by Saudi security forces in collaboration with other relevant government agencies between March 13 and March 19. The Ministry of Interior confirmed the crackdown in an official statement on Saturday.
Among those detained, 17,886 individuals were found in violation of the Residency Law, 4,247 were arrested for breaching the Border Security Law, and 3,017 for violating the Labor Law. The authorities have been processing these illegal residents as per legal protocols. A total of 30,528 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 2,420 were directed to finalize their travel arrangements. Additionally, 12,008 illegal residents were deported following the completion of legal procedures.
Saudi Arabia’s border security measures were also reinforced, with 1,553 individuals apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 28 percent were Yemeni nationals, 69 percent were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining three percent belonged to various other nationalities. Meanwhile, 63 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.
In addition to targeting illegal residents, Saudi Arabia’s security forces arrested 36 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, 38,061 illegal residents, including 35,795 men and 2,266 women, are undergoing various stages of legal processing.
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its strict stance against individuals aiding or facilitating the illegal stay of residents in Saudi Arabia. Those found guilty of such offenses may face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transportation and properties utilized for sheltering illegal residents will be confiscated as part of punitive measures.
Saudi Arabia has urged its residents to report any violations by contacting authorities via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, while residents in other regions can use 999 and 996 to provide relevant information. The Kingdom remains committed to enforcing its residency and labor laws to maintain order and security across the nation.