Saudi authorities have arrested more than 20,000 individuals as part of a recent nationwide campaign targeting violations of residency, labor, and border regulations, according to the Ministry of Interior. According to a Gulf News report, the joint operations, conducted in partnership with various government agencies, began on November 7.
Of those detained, 11,607 were accused of breaking residency laws, 5,285 faced charges related to border security, and 3,232 were found to have violated labor laws. The ministry also reported that 1,401 individuals were apprehended while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among these, 39% were Yemeni, 60% Ethiopian, and 1% from other nations. An additional 98 people were caught trying to exit the country without authorization.
Six individuals were detained for facilitating illegal activities, including transportation, sheltering, or employing violators.
The ministry stated that 21,267 detainees, including 18,508 men and 2,759 women, are currently undergoing legal procedures. Of these, 13,354 have been referred to their embassies for travel documentation, and 3,096 are in the process of making travel arrangements. To date, 10,458 violators have been deported.
Authorities warned that aiding illegal entry or harboring violators could result in up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of any involved properties or vehicles.
Residents and citizens were urged to report violations via the hotline 911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 for other regions.
