Interior Ministry: 18,877 violators of residency and labor regulations apprehended in one week
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of its intensive joint field campaigns targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom, from 27 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH (December 18, 2025) to 4 Rajab 1447 AH (December 24, 2025). These campaigns are part of ongoing efforts to enhance internal security and regulate the labor market.
Details of the security seizures
Field efforts resulted in the apprehension of a total of 18,877 violators , with the violations ranging from residency and labor regulations to border security breaches. The statistical distribution of the violators is as follows:
- Violators of the residency system: Their number reached 11,991 violators, and they constitute the largest percentage of the total number of those arrested.
- Border security system violators: 3,808 violators were apprehended.
- Violators of the labor system: Their number reached 3,078 violators.
Regarding border crossing attempts, security forces apprehended 1,312 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Yemeni nationals comprised 44% of those apprehended, Ethiopian nationals 55%, and the remaining 1% were of other nationalities. Additionally, 46 individuals were apprehended attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The security and organizational context of the campaigns
These campaigns are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to track down violators and implement the "A Nation Without Violators" initiative. These concerted efforts aim to eliminate the negative phenomena that may arise from the presence of undocumented workers or illegal residents, which will positively impact security and economic stability. The relevant authorities are working to ensure that all residents in the Kingdom comply with applicable regulations and laws, thus protecting everyone's rights and enhancing the efficiency of the labor market.
Legal procedures and deportation
The ministry clarified that the total number of individuals currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations is 28,937 undocumented migrants, including 27,259 men and 1,678 women. The following measures have been taken against them:
- 20,378 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
- 4,465 violators were referred to complete their travel arrangements.
- The deportation order was carried out against 13,241 violators.
The campaign also included the arrest of 14 people involved in crimes of transporting, sheltering, employing, and concealing violators, which confirms the firmness in dealing with anyone who facilitates the stay of violators.
Stern warnings and severe penalties
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warnings that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance, will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering them, and public shaming. The Ministry emphasized that these actions constitute major crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity.
The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and report any violations by calling (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
