Saudi Arabia arrests 14,542 law violators in week-long crackdown

Saudi Arabian security forces arrested 14,542 individuals for violating residency, border security, and labor laws during a week-long nationwide inspection campaign between August 6 and August 12. The Ministry of Interior reported that the detainees included 7,216 residency law violators, 3,843 border security violators, and 3,483 labor law violators.

During the period, 1,457 people were apprehended while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally; 67 percent were Ethiopian nationals and 32 percent were Yemeni nationals. Additionally, 19 individuals were caught attempting to leave the country illegally, and 22 people were arrested for facilitating violations by providing transportation, shelter, or employment.

As part of the enforcement measures, 12,945 people were deported, while 18,818 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documents. The Ministry warned that anyone found assisting illegal entry, transport, or shelter could face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SR1 million, alongside the potential confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offenses.