Saudi Arabia apprehends 14,165 for residency and labor violations

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported that joint field campaigns conducted across the Kingdom between August 27 and September 2, 2026, resulted in the apprehension of 14,165 individuals for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations.

The breakdown of violations includes 7,121 residency permit infractions, 3,636 border security violations, and 3,408 labor law violations. Additionally, authorities intercepted 1,315 people attempting to enter the country illegally—primarily from Ethiopia (58%) and Yemen (41%)—and 42 individuals attempting to leave illegally. The operations also led to the arrest of 21 people involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

Currently, 29,773 foreign nationals are undergoing legal procedures. Of these, 18,937 have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,240 are arranging travel, and 12,363 have been deported. The Ministry warned that facilitating illegal entry or providing shelter can result in up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million riyals, and the seizure of vehicles and property.