Saudi Arabia arrests 20,000 in week-long residency law crackdown

  • 31/08/2025

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has conducted a major nationwide enforcement operation from August 21 to 27, resulting in the arrest of more than 20,000 individuals for various legal violations. The campaign, led by joint security forces and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawasat), targeted offenders of residency laws, labor regulations, and border security protocols.

Among those arrested, 12,891 individuals were detained for residency violations, 3,540 for labor law infractions, and 3,888 for border security breaches. Authorities referred 20,916 illegal immigrants to their respective diplomatic missions to facilitate the issuance of travel documents, while assisting 1,786 individuals with travel arrangements for their return home.

During the week-long operation, Saudi Arabia deported 11,279 illegal immigrants to their countries of origin. The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning that those involved in facilitating illegal entry, transportation, or accommodation face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these activities.

The ministry continues to conduct regular inspections to detect violations of residency and employment laws governing foreigners. The public has been urged to report any suspected violations, with residents in Mecca and Riyadh directed to contact emergency number 911, and those in other regions to use 999.

Related News

Riyadh Metro Serves 100 Million Passengers in Nine Months, B ...
  • 27/08/2025
Saudi Arabia Enhances Pilgrim Services in Medina as Visitor ...
  • 26/08/2025
Saudi Arabia Integrates AI into Public School Curriculum for ...
  • 25/08/2025
Saudi Arabia to Introduce Voluntary Pension and Savings Plan ...
  • 22/08/2025
Saudi Ministry Urges Pilgrims to Avoid Crowding Near Black S ...
  • 20/08/2025
Saudia Airlines Slashes Fares with 50% Discount on Global Ro ...
  • 19/08/2025
Riyadh Shuts Down 84 Businesses in Major Food Safety Crackdo ...
  • 18/08/2025
Saudi Arabia Simplifies Medicine Travel Rules: Now Get Digit ...
  • 17/08/2025
30 Saudi Officials Arrested in Hajj Permit Fraud Crackdown
  • 15/08/2025
Kerala Hajj Draw 2026: 8,530 Pilgrims Selected from 27,123 A ...
  • 13/08/2025
Saudi Intellectual Property Authority Issues 5,000 Riyals Fi ...
  • 11/08/2025
Saudi Arabia Enables Offline Access to Nusuk App for Hajj an ...
  • 08/08/2025