RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested more than 22,000 individuals residing illegally in the Kingdom during various operations last week. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday, the arrests were made during inspection raids conducted from September 26 to October 2.
The security forces detained a total of 22,094 undocumented residents across multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. Among them, 13,731 individuals were arrested for violating the Residency Law, while 4,873 were found in breach of the Border Security Law. Additionally, 3,490 individuals were detained for violating the Labor Law.
During the operations, 1,337 people were caught trying to illegally cross the border into Saudi Arabia. Of these, 44% were Yemeni nationals, 53% were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining 3% were of other nationalities. Furthermore, 37 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
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Detained 23 individuals
In addition to these arrests, authorities also detained 23 individuals involved in smuggling, sheltering, and employing illegal residents. These individuals face severe legal consequences under Saudi law. As of now, 13,979 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures, while 6,683 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 2,461 violators are completing their travel reservations, and 10,943 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning to anyone aiding illegal residents. Those who assist individuals in entering Saudi Arabia illegally, transport them, provide them shelter, or offer any other form of support could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Additionally, any vehicles or properties used for these activities may be confiscated by the authorities.
The ministry urged the public to report any violations by contacting the authorities. Citizens can dial 999 and 996 across most regions of the Kingdom, or 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
Saudi Arabia continues to take strong measures against illegal residents, with regular inspections and crackdowns aimed at enforcing the country’s Residency, Border Security, and Labor Laws. The ongoing efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining law and order within its borders, as well as ensuring that the legal immigration process is respected.