The joint field campaigns aimed at monitoring and detaining violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations throughout various regions of Saudi Arabia have yielded substantial results. During the period from May 15 to May 21, 2025, a total of 13,118 individuals were apprehended for breaching these laws.
Overview of the Campaign Outcomes
The comprehensive operations conducted by security personnel across the Kingdom led to a detailed breakdown of the violators. Of the 13,118 individuals arrested, 8,150 were in violation of residency regulations, 3,344 breached border security laws, and 1,624 were found to be violating labor regulations.
Additionally, authorities detained 1,207 persons as they attempted to cross into Saudi Arabia unlawfully. Among these individuals, approximately 37% were of Yemeni nationality, while 61% were Ethiopian, with the remaining 2% representing various other nationalities. Moreover, 94 individuals were intercepted while attempting to exit the Kingdom through illegal means.
The authorities also uncovered and arrested 13 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing those who violate residency and labor laws, while shielding them from law enforcement.
Currently, ongoing procedures are being enforced against 21,872 violators. This includes 20,616 men and 1,256 women undergoing these legal measures. The government has taken further steps by referring 15,936 individuals to their respective diplomatic missions for travel document processing and another 1,359 for completion of their travel bookings, while 11,566 violators have been deported.
Government’s Position on Violations
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated the seriousness of these violations and the legal repercussions for anyone who facilitates the entry of individuals violating border security rules into the Kingdom or provides them with transportation, shelter, or any form of assistance. Such actions expose offenders to severe penalties, which can include imprisonment for up to 15 years, hefty fines reaching one million Saudi Riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles and shelters used for housing these violators. Offenders may also face public disgrace.
The Ministry underscores that these offenses are classified among serious crimes that warrant arrest and are considered detrimental to societal integrity and trust. The government is urging citizens to report any suspicious activities or violations by contacting the designated emergency numbers: "911" for areas including Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and "999" or "996" for the remaining regions of the Kingdom.
Conclusion
In summary, the recent enforcement operations conducted across Saudi Arabia highlight the government’s commitment to uphold regulatory standards concerning residency, labor, and border security. With a significant number of apprehensions and legal actions taken against violators, the Ministry of Interior aims to foster a safer and more compliant environment. Public cooperation in reporting violations will further strengthen these efforts, ensuring the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks within the Kingdom.
