RIYADH — Saudi authorities have arrested 23,167 individuals across the Kingdom in the latest round of joint field campaigns targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The operations were carried out between July 10 and July 16, 2025 (corresponding to 15–21 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior. Among those arrested were 14,525 individuals in violation of residency regulations, 5,511 for breaching border security laws, and 3,131 for labor law violations. During the same period, authorities intercepted 1,593 people attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 69% were Ethiopian nationals, 30% Yemenis, and 1% from other nationalities. Another 41 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. The campaign also led to the arrest of 22 people accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators, or aiding them in other ways. Currently, 16,441 individuals are undergoing legal procedures—14,255 men and 2,186 women. Authorities have referred 8,622 violators to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,393 have been moved to complete their travel bookings. A total of 10,587 individuals have already been deported. The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, shelters or transports them, or offers assistance of any kind, will face severe penalties—including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, confiscation of vehicles and housing used in the crime, and public naming. These offenses are classified as major crimes that warrant detention and are considered violations of public trust and integrity. The public is urged to report violations via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah, or 999 and 996 in other regions.
