Saudi Arabia Records 14,782 Residency, Labor and Border Violations
RIYADH, September 19, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia recorded 14,782 residency, labor and border security violations during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted from September 10 to 16, the Ministry of Interior said.
The total included 7,438 residency violations, 3,782 border security violations and 3,562 labor law violations.
Border authorities apprehended 1,450 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. The ministry said 56% were Ethiopian nationals, 43% were Yemeni nationals and 1% were from other countries.
Authorities also apprehended 25 people attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
A further 23 people were arrested in cases involving the transportation, accommodation or employment of individuals who had violated the regulations.
The ministry said 31,075 expatriates were undergoing enforcement procedures, comprising 29,171 men and 1,904 women.
It also reported that 18,986 individuals had been instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain valid travel documents. Another 3,834 were directed to arrange their departure, while 12,635 people were repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior said facilitating illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, transporting people who enter illegally or providing accommodation, assistance or other services could result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million.
Vehicles used for transportation and properties used to provide accommodation may also be confiscated.
Reports concerning residency, labor and border security violations can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Source: SPA
