Saudi Authorities Arrest 11,175 for Violating Residency and Border Security Laws
In a crackdown on immigration violations, Saudi authorities detained over 11,000 individuals within one week.
Riyadh: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reported the arrest of 11,175 people in a single week for violating residency, work, and border security laws.
According to official figures, out of these arrests, 6,153 were made for violations concerning residence permits, 3,619 for unauthorized border crossings, and 1,403 for labor-related issues.The data also revealed that among the 1,411 individuals apprehended for attempting to enter the Kingdom illicitly, a significant majority—62%—were Ethiopian nationals.
Yemenis constituted 36% of this group, with the remaining 2% representing other nationalities.In addition to those attempting to breach the border, the authorities arrested 23 people for trying to cross into neighboring countries and detained 19 for their involvement in transporting and harboring violators.The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning stating that individuals found guilty of facilitating or enabling unauthorized entry to Saudi Arabia—through activities such as providing transportation or shelter—may face imprisonment for up to 15 years, alongside fines reaching a maximum of SR1 million ($267,000).
The ministry also announced the confiscation of vehicles and other properties used in these offenses.Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspected violations through designated toll-free numbers.
In the Makkah and Riyadh regions, individuals can call 911, while those in other parts of the Kingdom should use 999 or 996.
According to official figures, out of these arrests, 6,153 were made for violations concerning residence permits, 3,619 for unauthorized border crossings, and 1,403 for labor-related issues.The data also revealed that among the 1,411 individuals apprehended for attempting to enter the Kingdom illicitly, a significant majority—62%—were Ethiopian nationals.
Yemenis constituted 36% of this group, with the remaining 2% representing other nationalities.In addition to those attempting to breach the border, the authorities arrested 23 people for trying to cross into neighboring countries and detained 19 for their involvement in transporting and harboring violators.The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning stating that individuals found guilty of facilitating or enabling unauthorized entry to Saudi Arabia—through activities such as providing transportation or shelter—may face imprisonment for up to 15 years, alongside fines reaching a maximum of SR1 million ($267,000).
The ministry also announced the confiscation of vehicles and other properties used in these offenses.Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspected violations through designated toll-free numbers.
In the Makkah and Riyadh regions, individuals can call 911, while those in other parts of the Kingdom should use 999 or 996.
