Saudi Security Forces Arrest Over 21,000 Illegal Residents in a Week
In a robust enforcement action, Saudi security forces have apprehended 21,477 illegal residents across various regions in a single week, from January 30 to February 5, 2025.
This operation was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies, as announced by the Ministry of Interior.
Among those arrested, a significant number were found to be in violation of key laws: 13,638 for violating the Residency Law, 4,663 for breaching the Border Security Law, and 3,176 for infringing on Labor Law regulations.
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The crackdown also led to the referral of 28,661 violators to their respective diplomatic missions for travel documentation, while 8,733 individuals were deported from the Kingdom.
The operations included the arrest of 1,316 people attempting to illegally cross into Saudi Arabia, with 40% being Yemeni nationals and 58% Ethiopian nationals.
Additionally, 77 individuals were caught trying to exit the Kingdom unlawfully. The authorities also detained 13 people involved in facilitating the illegal activities, such as transporting and sheltering violators.
As part of ongoing legal procedures, 37,120 illegal residents—including 33,547 men and 3,573 women—are currently facing various penalties.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning to those who assist illegal entrants, stating that facilitators could face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SR1 million.
To support these efforts, the ministry encourages the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
This extensive operation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security.
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