19,576 violators of residency and labor laws were apprehended in Saudi Arabia during one week
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint field campaigns conducted by various security sectors across the Kingdom to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These intensive campaigns, which took place between 13 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH (December 4, 2025) and 19 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH (December 10, 2025), resulted in the arrest of thousands of violators and the initiation of legal proceedings against them.
Details of field seizure figures
Official data revealed that the total number of violators apprehended during this week reached 19,576 , and the violations were distributed as follows:
- 12,506 Violators of the residency regulations.
- 4,154 In violation of border security regulations.
- 2,916 In violation of the work regulations.
Border security and infiltration attempts
Regarding border security, the Ministry reported the apprehension of 1,418 individuals attempting to cross the Kingdom's borders illegally. Yemeni nationals comprised 41% of these infiltrators, while Ethiopian nationals accounted for 57%, and other nationalities made up the remaining 2%. Additionally, 24 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Those involved in transportation and accommodation
The campaigns were not limited to direct violators, but also included those who provide them with assistance, as 16 people involved in crimes of transporting, sheltering and employing violators of residency, labor and border security regulations, and covering them up, were arrested, reflecting the firmness in applying the regulations to all parties involved in these violations.
The context of the campaigns and their security and economic importance
These ongoing security campaigns are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market. These efforts are an integral part of the executive steps taken to control the security and economic landscape, aiming to eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented and illegal workers, which negatively impacts the national economy.
These campaigns are of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, they contribute to reducing crime rates and easing pressure on public services and infrastructure, as well as combating commercial fraud and ensuring fair competition in the market. Regionally, securing borders enhances regional stability and curbs smuggling and illegal infiltration.
Current migration and processing statistics
The ministry indicated that the total number of individuals currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations is 30,427 undocumented migrants , including 28,718 men and 1,709 women. The following measures have been taken:
- 21,803 were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
- 5,202 violators were referred to complete their travel arrangements.
- The deportation order was carried out against 12,365 violators.
Stern warnings and severe penalties
The Ministry of Interior renewed its strong warning that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any way, will be subject to deterrent penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million riyals, in addition to the confiscation of the means of transport and the accommodation used for sheltering, and public shaming.
The ministry stressed that this crime is considered one of the major crimes that warrant arrest and violate honor and integrity, calling on everyone to cooperate and report any violations via the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
