Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, May 3: Security authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested more than 11,000 individuals for violating residency, labour and border regulations during a week-long nationwide crackdown.

The Ministry of Interior said the arrests were carried out between April 23 and April 29 through coordinated inspection campaigns involving multiple government agencies.

According to officials, a total of 11,300 individuals were detained, including 6,244 for breaching residency laws, 3,543 for violating border security regulations, and 1,513 for labour-related offences.

Authorities said legal action is currently underway against 29,913 expatriates — comprising 27,699 men and 2,214 women — who are undergoing various procedural steps.

Officials confirmed that 14,855 individuals have already been deported, while 18,601 others have been referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents. Another 4,337 people are in the process of completing travel arrangements for departure.

Security forces also intercepted 1,330 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, 43 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 54 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining 3 per cent were from other countries. Additionally, 51 people were arrested while attempting to leave the country unlawfully.

In a related development, authorities detained 14 individuals accused of assisting violators by providing transport, shelter or employment.

The ministry warned that those aiding illegal entry or stay could face stringent penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million, along with confiscation of vehicles and properties used in such activities.

The ministry has urged residents to report violations through emergency numbers — 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.

Officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to strictly enforce residency and labour laws across the Kingdom