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The Ministry of Interior reported that joint security campaigns across the kingdom resulted in 15430 arrests between July 2 and 8 as enforcement targeted multiple categories of violations. Those detained included 7913 individuals for residency regulation breaches, 4037 for border security infractions and 3480 for labor law offenses. The interior ministry provided the detailed breakdown in its regular update on campaign outcomes. Such operations form part of sustained nationwide efforts to address regulatory non-compliance.
During the period authorities intercepted 1542 people attempting illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, according to the ministry. The interior ministry assessment placed 53 percent of these entrants as Ethiopian nationals, 46 percent as Yemeni and 1 percent as other nationalities. In related actions 30 individuals were apprehended while trying to exit the kingdom unlawfully. The figures were released alongside the primary arrest totals on July 12.
The ministry statement noted that 27 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, employing or otherwise assisting violators. A total of 29286 individuals, including 27127 men and 2159 women, are currently undergoing enforcement procedures. The ministry outlined these aggregates as officials process cases stemming from the latest campaign.
Procedures for the group include referring 17353 violators to obtain travel documents, directing 5438 to complete departure arrangements and deporting 11800, the interior ministry reported. Ministry of Interior figures from the preceding week placed a similar campaign at 15591 arrests while an earlier period in June produced 15288 detentions. These recurring operations reflect the scale of ongoing enforcement across residency, employment and border sectors.
The ministry has reiterated that facilitating illegal entry, providing transport, shelter or any form of assistance to violators constitutes a major crime. Penalties for such actions can reach 15 years in prison along with fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offense. The interior ministry has included this warning in multiple recent campaign announcements to underline the legal risks involved.
