Saudi Arabia Detains Over 15,000 People for Residency, Labor and Border Violations in One Week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have detained 15,288 individuals in a nationwide crackdown conducted over the past week against violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations.
According to official figures released by Saudi authorities, 7,864 of those arrested were found to have violated residency laws, including individuals who remained in the Kingdom after the expiration of their visas and failed to comply with regulations governing visa renewal and legal residency status.
Authorities said that 4,576 people were detained for violating border security laws, including attempts to enter Saudi Arabia illegally or crossing the Kingdom’s borders without authorization.
A further 2,848 individuals were arrested for breaches of labor regulations, including violations related to employment and work permit requirements.
Official data showed that among those attempting to cross Saudi borders illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian nationals, while 46 percent were from Yemen. Nationals of other countries accounted for the remaining one percent.
Authorities also reported that 54 individuals were intercepted while attempting to enter neighboring countries illegally. In addition, 24 people were arrested for facilitating illegal border crossings by providing transportation, shelter, or other forms of assistance.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found helping illegal entrants could face severe penalties. The ministry stated that providing transportation, accommodation, logistical support, or any other assistance to individuals entering the Kingdom unlawfully may result in criminal prosecution.
Under Saudi law, those convicted of facilitating illegal entry can face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of both movable and immovable assets.
The ministry emphasized that strict enforcement measures will continue as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and ensure compliance with the Kingdom’s residency and labor regulations.
