Saudi Arabia records more than 21,000 violations in nationwide inspection campaign
- 2 days ago
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RIYADH, March 7, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior recorded 21,022 violations during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted between February 26 and March 4 to enforce residency, labor and border security regulations.
The ministry said 15,038 violations were related to residency laws, 3,484 to border security regulations and 2,500 to labor laws.
Border authorities apprehended 1,466 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Those included 32% Yemeni nationals, 67% Ethiopians and 1% from other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 33 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The ministry said 15 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering or employing violators were also arrested.
A total of 21,178 expatriates — including 19,665 men and 1,513 women — are currently undergoing procedures to enforce the regulations.
Authorities detained 13,854 individuals for violating regulations and instructed them to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents. Another 2,187 were advised to arrange travel, while 8,511 have been repatriated.
The Ministry of Interior warned that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, transporting violators, or providing shelter or assistance may result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
The ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom.
