Saudi Arabia Conducts Nationwide Crackdown on Residency, Labor, and Border Violations
Riyadh, March 8, 2025 – The Ministry of Interior conducted extensive inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia from February 27 to March 5 to enforce residency, labor, and border security laws. The operation led to the identification of thousands of violations and the detention of individuals attempting to enter or exit the Kingdom illegally.
Key Results of the Inspection Campaigns:
20,749 total violations recorded, including:
13,871 residency law violations
3,517 border security violations
3,361 labor law violations
1,051 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, including:
43% Yemeni nationals
54% Ethiopian nationals
3% from other nationalities
90 individuals were detained for attempting to illegally leave Saudi Arabia.
12 people were arrested for facilitating illegal entry, transportation, and employment of violators.
40,173 expatriates (35,862 men and 4,311 women) are currently undergoing legal procedures.
Deportation and Legal Measures:
32,375 individuals were instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain necessary travel documents.
2,576 violators were required to arrange travel bookings.
10,024 individuals have been repatriated.
Strict Legal Consequences for Violators and Facilitators
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement, warning that any person who facilitates illegal entry, transports violators, or provides them with shelter or assistance may face:
Up to 15 years in prison
A fine of up to SAR 1 million
Confiscation of vehicles and properties used in violations
The ministry emphasized that these offenses are considered major crimes warranting arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling:
911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions
999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom
Saudi authorities continue to intensify efforts to uphold national security and regulatory compliance, ensuring that all residents and workers abide by the Kingdom’s laws.