What changed
2026-08-29 12:01 UTC → 2026-09-06 01:38 UTC ·
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removed
In Following a series of large-scale enforcement actions in late June and throughout August 2026, Saudi Arabian authorities launched a joint field operation that detained 15,231 people for continued their crackdown on residency, border‑security labor, and labour border security violations. The raids intercepted 1,763 illegal entrants—mostly Ethiopian (55%) and Yemeni (44%)—and expelled 11,297 migrants, while referring thousands to diplomatic missions for travel documents. A month later, in July 2026, a second series of raids across the kingdom arrested 14,970 individuals for similar infractions. The operation intercepted 1,626 illegal entrants (62% Ethiopian, 37% Yemeni) and increased the total number of migrants under enforcement to 30,546, with 13,251 already deported. A third nationwide inspection campaign conducted between Between August 6 27 and August 12, September 2, 2026, resulted in the arrest of 14,542 individuals for violating residency, border security, and labor laws. This operation intercepted 1,457 people attempting illegal entry, consisting of 67% Ethiopian and 32% Yemeni nationals. During this period, 12,945 people were deported, and 18,818 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documents. Following these, joint security field campaigns conducted between August 13 and August 19, 2026, led to resulted in the apprehension of 14,260 14,165 individuals. This group The breakdown of these arrests included 6,900 7,121 residency law violators, 3,982 permit infractions, 3,636 border security violators, violations, and 3,378 3,408 labor law violators. The campaign violations. During this period, authorities intercepted 1,524 1,315 illegal entrants (63% Ethiopian, 36% Yemeni) entrants, primarily Ethiopian (58%) and Yemeni (41%) nationals, and detained 24 42 individuals attempting to leave the country illegally. Additionally, 21 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or concealing employing violators. Enforcement actions resulted in 13,724 deportations and 18,808 referrals As of early September, 29,773 foreign nationals are undergoing legal procedures. This total includes 18,937 individuals referred to diplomatic missions. Between August 20 and August 26, 2026, a further joint field operation apprehended 14,434 individuals missions for residency, labor, and border security violations. This included 6,976 residency violators, 4,110 border security breaches, travel documents, 3,240 arranging travel, and 3,348 labor law infractions. Authorities intercepted 1,450 12,363 who have been deported. The Ministry of Interior has issued warnings that facilitating illegal entrants (58% Ethiopian, 41% Yemeni) and detained 27 individuals for transporting, sheltering, entry or operating illegal residents. This operation resulted in 14,905 deportations and 18,914 referrals providing shelter can lead to diplomatic missions. prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines reaching 1 million riyals, and the seizure of property and vehicles.