18,000 violators of residency and labor laws were apprehended in Saudi Arabia within a week
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of its intensive joint field campaigns targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom, conducted from December 25 to 31, 2025. These campaigns are part of the ongoing efforts by security agencies to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market.
Details of field seizures
Official statistics revealed that security campaigns resulted in the apprehension of 18,805 violators across various regions. The violations varied, with residency violations topping the list at 11,752 , followed by border security violations at 4,239 , and finally labor law violations at 2,814 . These figures reflect the high level of security vigilance and effective field deployment of the relevant authorities.
Border security and infiltration attempts
Regarding border security, which is the first line of defense, security forces thwarted attempts by 1,739 individuals to enter the Kingdom illegally. Data showed that 37% of these individuals were Yemeni nationals, 62% were Ethiopian nationals, and 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 46 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross the border out of the Kingdom illegally, confirming the tight control exerted over border crossings.
General context and importance of campaigns
These campaigns are of paramount strategic importance within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to eliminate the informal economy and negative phenomena related to violations of regulations. Regulating illegal labor has implications not only for security but also for economic and social well-being, contributing to a regulated and fair competitive work environment and reducing the strain on public services and infrastructure caused by undocumented workers.
Strict penalties for those who conceal [the crime]
In a related development, 14 individuals were apprehended for their involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing illegal immigrants. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warnings that anyone facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants, providing them with shelter, or offering any form of assistance will face severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of vehicles and accommodations used in the crime, and public shaming of the immigrants, as these acts are considered crimes of moral turpitude and breach of trust.
Legal procedures and deportation
Currently, 28,411 undocumented migrants are undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations, including 26,855 men and 1,556 women. 20,555 undocumented migrants have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 12,238 already been deported, and travel arrangements are being finalized for 3,904 others.
The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and report any violations via the numbers (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that the security of the homeland is everyone’s responsibility.
