14,165 Arrested in Nationwide Saudi Inspections

Saudi security authorities arrested 14,165 people for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations during joint nationwide inspection campaigns carried out across all regions of the Kingdom between 27 August and 2 September 2026.

the total included 7,121 violators of the Residency Law (Iqama regulations), 3,636 violators of the Border Security Law for illegal entry or border-related offenses, and 3,408 violators of the Labor Law.

A total of 29,773 expatriates are currently subject to enforcement procedures for residency, labor, and border violations, comprising 27,845 men and 1,928 women. During the same period, 12,363 violators were deported, 18,937 were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 3,240 were referred to complete travel reservations.

Why it matters

These weekly joint field inspections are coordinated by security forces and relevant government entities, and they target compliance with residency, employment, and border security regulations across urban and border areas. Violations typically result in detention, fines, deportation, and re-entry bans. Individuals who facilitate illegal residency or employment — such as harboring or employing violators — face heavy penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Lawful expatriates can manage their residency and employment status through official platforms. مقيم offers Iqama issuance, renewal, and exit–reentry visa services via the sponsor or employer, أبشر provides individual and sponsor services including Iqama renewal and reporting, and قوى handles labor-related services.

The public can report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

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