Joint Field Campaigns Targeting Violators of Residency, Labor, and Border Security Laws Result in Major Arrests
Between April 17 and April 23, 2025, joint field campaigns aimed at monitoring and apprehending violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations took place across various regions in the Kingdom. These operations culminated in the arrest of a total of 19,328 individuals violating regulations.
The detailed results of these comprehensive security initiatives are as follows:
Overview of Detained Individuals
The combined efforts of the security campaigns led to the apprehension of an impressive 19,328 violators throughout the Kingdom. Among these, 11,245 individuals were found in breach of residency laws, while 4,297 were violating border security regulations, and 3,786 were identified as labor law violators.
Attempts to Cross Borders
A significant aspect of the operation was the capture of 1,360 individuals attempting to illegally cross into the Kingdom. Of these, 44% were of Yemeni nationality, and 54% were Ethiopian, with the remaining 2% coming from various other nationalities. Additionally, 79 individuals were intercepted while attempting illegal exit from the Kingdom.
Involvement in Human Trafficking Activities
During the campaigns, authorities arrested 22 individuals allegedly involved in facilitating the transport, housing, and employment of those violating residency and labor laws, thereby sheltering such activities.
Current Status of Violators
Currently, a total of 31,964 violators, including 29,555 men and 2,409 women, are undergoing legal procedures to enforce compliance with the relevant laws.
Diplomatic Coordination and Deportation Efforts
The campaigns also resulted in the referral of 23,419 individuals to their diplomatic missions for the procurement of travel documents. In addition, 3,864 violators were directed to finalize their travel arrangements, while 12,866 individuals were deported from the Kingdom.
Legal Ramifications for Facilitators
The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding individuals who facilitate the unlawful entry of violators of border security laws into the Kingdom. Those who assist, transport, house, or offer any form of aid to these individuals could face severe penalties. These include imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines reaching one million riyals. Furthermore, the means of transportation and accommodation used for such activities may be confiscated, and offenders could be publicly named. The Ministry categorizes these offenses as serious crimes, warranting detention and fundamentally undermining trust and integrity within society.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to report any violations by contacting designated emergency numbers: "911" in the Mecca, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and "999" and "996" in the remaining areas of the Kingdom.
Through these concerted efforts, the Kingdom aims to uphold its laws and ensure the safety and security of its borders, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards violators and those who aid them. The government’s commitment to enforcing these regulations underscores the importance of legal compliance in maintaining social order and national security.
