Riyadh — Saudi authorities apprehended 19,101 people during a nationwide enforcement operation from February 12–18, targeting violations of residency, labour and border-security regulations, the Saudi Ministry of Interior said. The sweep aims to tighten compliance with immigration rules and curb unauthorized entry and employment.
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Nationwide inspection campaign
The scale of the operation signals a stepped-up focus on irregular migration and illegal employment. Employers, transporters and others caught assisting violators face stiff criminal penalties. For expatriates and businesses in the Gulf, this means heightened inspections and faster enforcement actions.
Residency, labour and border violations
Security forces reported arrests across multiple categories:
- 12,153 for breaching residency rules.
- 2,845 for violating labour regulations.
- 4,103 for border security breaches.
- 1,663 were detained attempting illegal border crossings into Saudi Arabia.
- 31 were held for attempting to cross the border out of the Kingdom unlawfully.
Most detainees identified as Yemeni, Ethiopian
Authorities said over half of those detained are from neighbouring countries, with the breakdown given as:
- 54% Yemeni nationals
- 45% Ethiopian nationals
- 1% other nationalities
Officials noted the figures reflect continued migration pressure along informal routes into the Kingdom.
Deportation and travel procedures
As enforcement follow-up, authorities reported:
- 14,893 violators deported so far.
- 1,389 referred to complete travel arrangements.
- 15,585 referred to obtain travel documents for formal departure.
Many detainees are either being processed for deportation or handed to diplomatic missions to arrange travel.
Strict penalties for aiding violators
The ministry stressed that those who transport, harbour, employ or conceal illegal residents are criminally liable. During the operation, 28 individuals suspected of facilitating residency, border or labour law violations were arrested.
Under Saudi law, offenders may face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, fines reaching 1 million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or property used in committing the offence.
Authorities urge public vigilance
Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations. Hotlines listed include 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999/996 in other areas. Reports are handled confidentially, the ministry said.
