RIYADH October 10, 2026 | 16:39
Saudi authorities have detained 13,889 individuals in a one-week enforcement campaign targeting violations of residency, work, and border security regulations.
The breakdown of arrests included 6,785 individuals held for breaching residency laws, 3,394 for labor-related infractions, and 3,710 over illegal border crossing attempts.
Among the 1,382 people apprehended attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, 66 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 33 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining one percent held other nationalities.
Additionally, 34 individuals were intercepted attempting to cross into neighboring countries, while 21 others were detained for their involvement in transporting or harboring illegal entrants.
The Ministry of Interior warned that individuals caught facilitating illegal entry—whether through providing transportation or shelter—face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, fines up to SR1 million ($267,000), and confiscation of vehicles and property.
Reports of suspected violations can be made via the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
