Crackdown: Saudi Arabia arrests nearly 22,000 residency, border, and labour law violators in one week

Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 21,997 illegal residents and law violators between August 7 and August 13, 2025, in a series of joint inspections conducted nationwide. The Ministry of Interior’s targeted enforcement operations, carried out in coordination with multiple government agencies, highlight the Kingdom’s ongoing crackdown on violations of residency, border, and labour laws.

TL;DR:

• Nearly 22,000 people were detained in a single week for violations of residency, border security, and labour laws.
  
  
  
• Arrests included illegal residents, border crossers, and unauthorized workers, with a significant portion of detainees being of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationality.
  
  
• Saudi Arabia warns of harsh penalties including prison, heavy fines, and vehicle or property confiscation for anyone facilitating illegal entry or residency.
  

Breakdown of violations and arrests
Among those detained, 13,434 breached residency regulations, 4,697 were caught violating border security laws, and 3,866 were found in violation of labour laws. A significant number of 1,787 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally, with the majority being Ethiopian and Yemeni nationals. Meanwhile, 27 suspects were apprehended while trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.

Following their arrests, 18,149 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to facilitate the issuance of travel documents, and nearly 3,000 were helped to finalize travel reservations. During this period, Saudi authorities deported over 12,800 violators to their home countries. The crackdown also extended to those who aid violators; 18 people providing transportation, shelter, or employment to illegal residents were arrested.

Warning issued
The Ministry of Interior issued stern warnings that individuals involved in facilitating illegal entry, transportation, or shelter of violators face harsh punishments, including prison sentences up to 15 years, fines reaching SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these crimes.

The public has been urged to cooperate by reporting any violations via the appropriate emergency numbers provided for different regions in the Kingdom. This robust enforcement campaign underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to uphold its laws, maintain national security, and control illegal residency and labour violations.

FAQ

• 1. How many violators were arrested in Saudi Arabia last week?
  A total of 21,997 people were detained for residency, border security, and labour law violations between August 7 and 13, 2025.
  
• 2. Which nationalities made up most of those caught crossing the border illegally?
  Of the 1,787 border crossers arrested, 64% were Ethiopian and 35% Yemeni nationals.
  
• 3. What penalties face those who help or shelter violators in Saudi Arabia?
  Facilitators risk up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the violations.
  
• 4. How does the public report suspected violations?
  Residents can report cases by calling 911 in Makkah , Riyadh , and the Eastern Province, or 999/996 elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.