Saudi Arabia Records Over 21,000 Residency, Labor, and Border Security Violations in One Week

Riyadh, Sept 21, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior said 21,638 violations of residency, labor, and border security laws were recorded during inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom between September 11 and 17.

The ministry reported 12,958 violations related to residency, 4,540 linked to border security, and 4,140 involving labor laws. Border authorities apprehended 1,391 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 54% Yemenis, 45% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities. A further 31 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.

Authorities also detained 19 people accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. Currently, 32,149 expatriates — 29,265 men and 2,884 women — are undergoing regulatory procedures.

According to the ministry, 25,533 individuals were instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, 1,610 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,375 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that facilitating illegal entry, transport, or shelter may result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles and properties used for such activities may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that these acts constitute major crimes and 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.