Saudi Arabia Intensifies Nationwide Immigration Crackdown with Nearly Twenty Thousand Arrests in One Week
Riyadh steps up enforcement of residency, border and labour laws as part of broader security operations targeting undocumented residents
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that security forces detained nearly nineteen thousand undocumented residents in a nationwide enforcement campaign over the first week of January 2026, reflecting an intensified drive to uphold residency, labour and border security regulations.
The arrests were carried out between January 1 and January 7 during coordinated inspections involving multiple agencies, as part of a series of recurring crackdowns aimed at curbing illegal residence and unauthorised work.
According to the ministry’s statement, of the 18,836 people taken into custody, 11,710 were found to be in violation of residency requirements, 4,239 breached border security regulations, and 2,887 were cited for labour law offences.
In addition, security forces intercepted 1,741 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally and detained 46 others for unauthorised departure attempts.
The operations extended to those accused of facilitating violations, with 19 individuals arrested for providing transport, shelter or employment to undocumented residents, all of whom now face legal action under stringent Saudi statutes.
The campaign has also resulted in more than ten thousand deportations to date, as authorities sought to expedite the removal of individuals lacking valid documentation.
Tens of thousands more remain in processing, with many referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel papers and complete repatriation arrangements.
Saudi officials have reiterated that aiding illegal entry or residency — including giving shelter, employment or logistic support — carries severe penalties, including prison terms of up to fifteen years, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals and the confiscation of property or vehicles involved in offences.
The intensified enforcement reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing emphasis on regulating its labour market and maintaining secure borders amid demographic and economic shifts.
While the campaign continues, Saudi authorities have urged the public to report suspected violations and remain vigilant in supporting compliance with immigration and labour laws.
The government has framed the operations as part of broader efforts to strengthen rule of law and manage migration pressures effectively across the region.
The arrests were carried out between January 1 and January 7 during coordinated inspections involving multiple agencies, as part of a series of recurring crackdowns aimed at curbing illegal residence and unauthorised work.
According to the ministry’s statement, of the 18,836 people taken into custody, 11,710 were found to be in violation of residency requirements, 4,239 breached border security regulations, and 2,887 were cited for labour law offences.
In addition, security forces intercepted 1,741 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally and detained 46 others for unauthorised departure attempts.
The operations extended to those accused of facilitating violations, with 19 individuals arrested for providing transport, shelter or employment to undocumented residents, all of whom now face legal action under stringent Saudi statutes.
The campaign has also resulted in more than ten thousand deportations to date, as authorities sought to expedite the removal of individuals lacking valid documentation.
Tens of thousands more remain in processing, with many referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel papers and complete repatriation arrangements.
Saudi officials have reiterated that aiding illegal entry or residency — including giving shelter, employment or logistic support — carries severe penalties, including prison terms of up to fifteen years, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals and the confiscation of property or vehicles involved in offences.
The intensified enforcement reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing emphasis on regulating its labour market and maintaining secure borders amid demographic and economic shifts.
While the campaign continues, Saudi authorities have urged the public to report suspected violations and remain vigilant in supporting compliance with immigration and labour laws.
The government has framed the operations as part of broader efforts to strengthen rule of law and manage migration pressures effectively across the region.
