Saudi Arabia records 19,975 residency, labour and border violations in one week - interior ministry

SPA

Riyadh, January 31, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior recorded 19,975 violations of residency, labour and border security laws during inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom between January 22 and January 28.

The ministry reported 12,906 residency-related violations, 3,918 border security violations and 3,151 labour law violations.

Border authorities apprehended 1,716 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 39% Yemenis, 60% Ethiopians and 1% of other nationalities, the ministry said. Authorities also arrested 48 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

The ministry said 11 people were arrested for involvement in transporting, sheltering and employing violators.

A total of 23,472 expatriates — 21,862 men and 1,610 women — are currently undergoing procedures to enforce the regulations, it said.

It added that 16,595 people were detained for violating the regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents. Another 1,820 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 14,867 were repatriated.

The ministry warned that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators within the country, or providing shelter or assistance could be punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million riyals ($266,667). Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.