Saudi Arabia Records 18,673 Residency, Labor, and Border Violations in One Week

Riyadh, October 5, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Ministry of Interior recorded 18,673 violations of residency, labor, and border security laws across Saudi Arabia during inspection campaigns conducted between September 25 and October 1, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and uphold the rule of law.

According to the ministry, the violations included 10,673 related to residency, 3,822 to border security, and 4,178 to labor regulations.

Border authorities apprehended 1,479 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally — 59% Yemenis, 40% Ethiopians, and 1% from other nationalities — while 52 people were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

Authorities also detained 17 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. A total of 31,015 expatriates, including 29,172 men and 1,843 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 25,478 individuals were detained for violating regulations and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents. In addition, 2,139 people were advised to arrange travel, and 11,544 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating illegal entry, transport, or sheltering of violators is a major crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching SAR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in such offenses may also be confiscated.

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