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The Ministry of Interior reported that the arrests broke down to 7,216 violators of residency regulations, 3,843 violators of border security rules and 3,483 violators of labor laws. According to the ministry, 1,457 individuals were detained while attempting to enter the kingdom illegally, including 32 percent Yemeni nationals, 67 percent Ethiopian nationals and one percent from other countries. The ministry added that 19 people were arrested for trying to exit the kingdom unlawfully.
During the operations, 12,945 illegal residents were deported, the Ministry of Interior stated. A further 18,818 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents while 6,355 were directed to complete travel reservations. The ministry also reported the arrest of 22 people for providing transportation, shelter or employment to violators.
Legal measures are now being applied to 32,479 expatriates, including 30,540 men and 1,939 women, a ministry assessment found. This operation followed a similar campaign the prior week that produced 14,154 arrests, according to an earlier Ministry of Interior statement. The Saudi Press Agency has carried multiple such weekly updates, demonstrating the consistent pace of these enforcement actions.
The Ministry of Interior warned that individuals who facilitate illegal entry, provide transport inside the kingdom, offer shelter or deliver any related services face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching one million Saudi riyals. The ministry stated that vehicles employed in these activities or properties used to shelter violators would be confiscated. It encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the kingdom.
These joint inspection campaigns are carried out in coordination with several government agencies, the ministry said. Data published by the Saudi Press Agency from comparable operations earlier in 2026 have shown weekly arrest totals frequently ranging between 14,000 and more than 22,000. The ministry has continued to release such figures on a regular schedule throughout the year.
