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The ministry’s statement detailed that 7,437 of those arrested had violated residency regulations, 3,991 had breached border security rules and 3,542 had broken labor laws. Security forces also detained 1,626 individuals attempting to enter the kingdom illegally, according to the ministry, with 62 percent identified as Ethiopian nationals, 37 percent as Yemeni nationals and 1 percent from other countries. Another 33 people were arrested while trying to exit the kingdom unlawfully, while 18 individuals were apprehended for transporting, sheltering, employing or concealing violators.
According to the ministry, 30,546 violators including 28,557 men and 1,989 women are currently undergoing legal procedures. The ministry added that 17,747 violators have been referred to obtain travel documents, 6,113 have been directed to complete travel reservations and 13,251 have been deported. These actions reflect the scale of processing that follows each weekly campaign.
The Ministry of Interior has conducted such joint inspection campaigns on a regular weekly basis. In the period from July 2 to 8, the ministry reported 15,430 arrests in similar operations across the kingdom. The consistent enforcement figures demonstrate the sustained focus on compliance with residency, labor and border regulations throughout Saudi Arabia.
The interior ministry warned that anyone facilitating the illegal entry, transportation, sheltering or employment of violators faces imprisonment for up to 15 years. Such individuals may also incur fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals as well as confiscation of any vehicles or property used in the offenses. The penalties have been highlighted to deter support for illegal activities.
The Ministry of Interior urged the public to report suspected violations through designated hotlines. Callers in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province should use 911 while those in other areas should dial 999. The ministry confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality and that informants bear no legal responsibility.
