RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor and border security regulations recorded 22,931 violations across all regions between March 12 and 18, 2026, the Ministry of Interior announced.Of those arrested, 17,181 were found in violation of residency laws, 3,931 for border security violations, and 1,819 for labor law breaches.The ministry said 1,635 individuals were detained while attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, including 29% Yemenis, 68% Ethiopians, and 3% of other nationalities.Authorities also arrested 40 individuals attempting to leave the country illegally.A total of 36 people were apprehended for facilitating the transportation, sheltering, or employment of violators and covering up their activities.The ministry added that 29,564 expatriates are currently undergoing legal procedures, including 26,714 men and 2,850 women.Additionally, 21,133 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,285 were referred to complete travel arrangements, and 7,761 were deported.The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry, transport, or sheltering of violators faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, confiscation of vehicles and housing used, and public naming. It stressed that such offenses are considered major crimes requiring detention and are dishonorable.The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor and border security regulations recorded 22,931 violations across all regions between March 12 and 18, 2026, the Ministry of Interior announced.Of those arrested, 17,181 were found in violation of residency laws, 3,931 for border security violations, and 1,819 for labor law breaches.The ministry said 1,635 individuals were detained while attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, including 29% Yemenis, 68% Ethiopians, and 3% of other nationalities.Authorities also arrested 40 individuals attempting to leave the country illegally.A total of 36 people were apprehended for facilitating the transportation, sheltering, or employment of violators and covering up their activities.The ministry added that 29,564 expatriates are currently undergoing legal procedures, including 26,714 men and 2,850 women.Additionally, 21,133 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,285 were referred to complete travel arrangements, and 7,761 were deported.The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry, transport, or sheltering of violators faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, confiscation of vehicles and housing used, and public naming. It stressed that such offenses are considered major crimes requiring detention and are dishonorable.The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.
