Saudi Arabia arrested 14,242 illegal residents in a week-long crackdown, enforcing residency, work and border laws / Image: Getty Images
Saudi security forces have arrested thousands of illegal residents in a nationwide crackdown, with authorities intensifying enforcement of residency, work and border regulations, while warning of severe penalties for anyone providing assistance to violators. The Ministry of Interior said that a total of 14,242 people were arrested during joint inspection campaigns carried out between March 26 and April 1 in coordination with several government agencies. The arrests included a range of violations, including 7,884 related to violations of the Residency Law, 3,948 to the Border Security Law, and 2,410 to the Labor Law. The authorities also explained the follow-up measures taken after the arrests.
23,815 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 6,808 violators were directed to complete their travel reservations. In addition, 6,285 people have already been deported. Border enforcement remained the main focus during this period. Officials reported that 1,449 people were arrested while trying to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of these, 27 percent were Yemeni citizens, 71 percent were Ethiopian citizens, and the remaining 2 percent were of other nationalities.
Another 29 people were arrested while trying to leave the country illegally. The campaign also targeted those who support illegal residency. Security forces arrested 25 people accused of providing transportation, shelter, or work to violators. Meanwhile, a total of 36,365 expatriates, including 32,309 men and 4,056 women, are currently subject to legal action as authorities move to enforce the regulations. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that strict penalties apply to anyone who facilitates illegal entry or provides assistance to unregistered individuals. These include prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines of up to one million Saudi riyals. Authorities added that vehicles used for transportation and property used for shelter may also be confiscated. It called on citizens to report violations through designated emergency numbers. The Ministry advised residents to call 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, while 999 and 996 can be used in other areas throughout the Kingdom.