Saudi interior ministry reports 19,101 violations in residency, labour and border inspections
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Riyadh, February 22, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior recorded 19,101 violations of residency, labour and border security laws during inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom between February 12 and 18.
The ministry recorded 12,153 residency violations, 4,103 border security violations and 2,845 labour law violations.
Border authorities apprehended 1,663 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 45% Yemenis, 54% Ethiopians and 1% of other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 31 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
The ministry said 28 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering or employing violators.
A total of 21,491 expatriates, including 20,156 men and 1,335 women, are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations, it said.
The ministry said 15,585 people were detained and instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, while 1,389 were advised to make travel arrangements and 14,893 were repatriated.
The ministry warned that facilitating illegal entry, transporting violators, or providing shelter or assistance can carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.
It urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
