Saudi Arabia arrests 19,077 violators of the Residency, Borders, and Labor Law during the period from February 19 to 25/representative image
The Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that a week-long nationwide enforcement campaign led to the arrest of 19,077 illegal residents across Saudi Arabia. Coordinated searches were conducted between 19 and 25 February by security forces working alongside relevant government agencies. The violations included multiple legal categories. Authorities reported that 13,215 people were arrested for violating the residency law. Another 3,396 people were arrested for violating the Border Security Law, while 2,466 people were arrested for violating the Labor Law. Enforcement measures are already underway. A total of 14,982 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
An additional 1,364 individuals were directed to complete their travel reservations. During the same reporting period, 11,040 violators were deported. Law enforcement operations at the border also recorded new arrests. Security services arrested 1,615 people who attempted to illegally enter the Kingdom. Of those intercepted, 34 percent were Yemeni citizens, 64 percent were Ethiopian citizens, and the remaining 2 percent belonged to other nationalities.
The authorities also arrested 70 people who were trying to leave the country illegally. Investigations extended beyond the violators themselves. Ten people accused of providing transportation, shelter or employment to illegal residents were arrested. The Ministry also revealed that 20,712 expatriates are currently subject to legal action enforcement procedures. This group includes 19,304 men and 1,408 women. In a stern warning, the Ministry of Interior said that facilitating illegal entry, transporting violators, providing shelter, or providing any form of assistance will result in severe penalties. Violators face prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines of up to one million Saudi riyals. Vehicles used for transportation and property used at the shelter will be confiscated. Members of the public were urged to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. In the rest of the Kingdom’s regions, the report can be submitted via 999 or 996.
