Saudi security forces continue their intensive efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market. The Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint field campaigns conducted across various regions of the Kingdom. These campaigns are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations, thereby ensuring social stability and protecting the national economy.
Details of field seizures
Intensive campaigns conducted between January 8 and 14, 2026, resulted in the apprehension of 18,054 violators across the Kingdom. These violations were distributed among the three main regulations, with residency violations topping the list at 11,343 , followed by border security violations at 3,858 , and finally labor law violations at 2,853 .
In a related development concerning border security, security forces apprehended 1,491 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Statistics revealed that 59% of these infiltrators were Ethiopian nationals, 40% were Yemeni nationals, and the remaining 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 18 individuals were apprehended attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally, and 23 individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing these violators.
Legal procedures and deportation
27,518 are being processed , including 25,552 men and 1,966 women. Of these, 19,835 have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,936 to finalize their travel arrangements, and 14,621 already been deported to their home countries.
The importance and impact of security campaigns
These campaigns are of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere security measures. They directly contribute to rectifying labor market imbalances, reducing strain on public services and infrastructure, and curbing crimes that may arise from the presence of undocumented or unidentified workers. These efforts underscore the Kingdom's commitment to upholding the rule of law and applying regulations equally to all.
Stern warnings and severe penalties
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its strong warnings to anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of border security regulations or harbors them. The Ministry emphasized that these actions constitute serious crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity. The penalty can reach up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and residence used for sheltering the perpetrator, and public shaming of the offender.
The security authorities called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any violations by calling the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
