Saudi Arabia has detained a total of 20,093 individuals from various regions during joint inspection campaigns aimed at enforcing residency, work, and border security regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). These arrests occurred between July 4 and July 10.
The SPA reports that among those arrested, 12,460 were in violation of residency laws, 5,400 breached border security, and 2,233 violated labor laws. Additionally, 1,737 individuals were caught attempting to illegally enter the country, with 42% being Yemeni, 57% Ethiopian, and 1% from other nationalities. Forty-nine individuals were apprehended for trying to exit the Kingdom illegally, and sixteen others were arrested for involvement in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.
Currently, 19,841 expatriates (18,209 men and 1,632 women) are undergoing enforcement procedures. Out of these, 9,438 were detained for law violations and have been directed to contact their embassies or consulates for proper travel documentation. A total of 3,833 individuals have been instructed to finalize their travel bookings, while 11,655 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting individuals within its borders, providing shelter, or any form of assistance, could lead to a 15-year prison sentence and a fine of up to SAR1 million. The ministry also stated that vehicles and houses used for these purposes could be seized. It emphasized that such actions are considered serious crimes and encouraged citizens and residents to report any violations by dialing 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
