Saudi security forces arrested 21,134 illegal residents during coordinated inspections from Nov. 20–26, covering residency, labor and border violations.
Info Box
Who: Saudi Ministry of Interior
What: Arrest of 21,134 illegal residents
When: Nov. 20 to Nov. 26
Where: Across Saudi Arabia
Why: To enforce residency, labor, and border rules
How: Joint inspections with government bodies
Over 21,000 violators arrested in one week
Security authorities detained 21,134 illegal residents during joint inspections held from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26. The arrests included:
- 13,128 violators of the Residency Law
- 4,826 violators of the Border Security Law
- 3,180 violators of the Labor Law
Authorities referred 22,071 detainees to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents. Another 5,078 individuals were sent to complete travel bookings. A total of 11,674 were deported.
Border arrests and interception attempts
Border forces reported 1,667 arrests for illegal entry attempts. Nationality breakdown:
- 42 percent Yemeni
- 57 percent Ethiopian
- 1 percent other nationalities
Another 31 individuals were stopped while trying to exit the Kingdom without authorization.
Charges for aiding violators
Security units arrested 14 people accused of providing transport, shelter, or employment to violators. Authorities report that 31,091 expatriates are in processing, including 29,538 men and 1,553 women.
The Ministry of Interior states that penalties for aiding violators reach 15 years in prison and fines up to SR1 million. Vehicles and property used for transport or shelter face confiscation.
Public urged to report violations
The ministry asked residents to report violations. Contact numbers include:
- 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province
- 999 and 996 in other regions
Outlook
Authorities state the joint inspections will continue. Updates will follow as cases proceed through legal channels.
Stay tuned for updates.
