Saudi security authorities have arrested 19,975 individuals found to be in violation of residency, border security and labour regulations during a weeklong nationwide enforcement campaign, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior announced.

The joint operations, carried out between January 22 and 28, targeted undocumented residents and others suspected of breaching legal requirements, reflecting Riyadh’s ongoing drive to enforce immigration and labour laws.

Among those detained were 12,906 violators of the Residency Law, 3,918 breaches of the Border Security Law, and 3,151 Labour Law offenders, the ministry said.

A total of 16,595 detainees have been referred to their diplomatic missions to arrange travel documents, while 1,820 have been assisted to complete travel reservations and 14,867 have already been deported.

Border patrols intercepted 1,716 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, with roughly 39 per cent identified as Yemeni nationals and 60 per cent Ethiopian nationals, while a smaller number belonged to other nationalities.

Authorities also arrested 48 people attempting to illicitly leave the country and detained 11 individuals accused of facilitating illegal entry by providing transportation, shelter or employment.

Saudi officials reiterated that anyone who aids, shelters or transports undocumented individuals faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals and the confiscation of vehicles and properties used in offences.

The ministry urged the public to report suspected violations through regional emergency hotlines to support enforcement efforts and maintain public order across the Kingdom.

The crackdown underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to upholding legal frameworks governing residency and labour while managing migratory flows into the country amid broader regional security concerns.