Ministry of Interior records 21,029 violations during nationwide inspection campaigns
- Feb 14
- 1 min read
Riyadh, February 14, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Ministry of Interior reported 21,029 violations during inspection campaigns conducted across Saudi Arabia between February 5 and 11 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security laws.
Of these, 12,875 violations were related to residency, 4,778 to border security, and 3,376 to labor regulations.
Border authorities apprehended 2,307 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 47% from Yemen, 52% from Ethiopia, and 1% from other nationalities. Seventy-five people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities also arrested 29 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. A total of 23,312 expatriates—22,040 men and 1,272 women—are undergoing enforcement procedures.
During the campaigns, 16,121 individuals were detained for regulatory violations and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates, 2,270 were advised to arrange travel, and 13,213 were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior warned that facilitating illegal entry, transport, or shelter of individuals may result in up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million, with vehicles and properties used in such acts subject to confiscation. The public is urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
