Dubai: Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 23,000 people in a nationwide campaign targeting violations of residency, labour and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.
The large-scale inspection effort, conducted across the Kingdom from March 6 to March 12, resulted in the detention of 23,865 individuals. Of those, 16,644 were arrested for violating residency regulations, 3,896 for breaches of border security laws, and 3,325 for labor-related offences.
In addition, security forces intercepted 1,432 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. According to authorities, 67 per cent of those apprehended were of Ethiopian nationality, 29 per cent were Yemenis, and the remaining 4 per cent were from other countries. Ninety-seven people were also arrested while attempting to exit the Kingdom illegally.
The ministry reported that 13 individuals were detained for facilitating violations by transporting, sheltering, or employing undocumented individuals — acts that are criminalized under Saudi law.
As of this week, 39,976 expatriates — comprising 36,307 men and 3,669 women — are undergoing legal procedures in relation to the violations. Among them, 32,825 have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents. Another 2,311 have been directed to finalize their departure arrangements, while 10,331 individuals have already been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating illegal entry or assisting violators in any form is considered a major offense. Penalties may include up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million (approximately $266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the commission of such acts.
