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

Riyadh, September 13, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Ministry of Interior said it recorded 21,339 violations during inspection campaigns across the Kingdom between September 4 and 10, aimed at enforcing residency, labor, and border security laws.

The violations included 12,955 related to residency regulations, 4,198 to border security, and 4,186 to labor laws.

Border authorities apprehended 1,314 people attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, including 56 percent Ethiopians, 43 percent Yemenis, and 1 percent of other nationalities. Another 25 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

The ministry said 23 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

A total of 32,280 expatriates are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations, including 29,155 men and 3,125 women. Of these, 25,133 were instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, 2,349 were advised to arrange travel, and 11,687 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry into the Kingdom, transports violators, or provides shelter or assistance may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry described such acts as major crimes requiring arrest and urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions.