13,822 Arrested in One Week for Residency Violations

Saudi authorities arrested 13,822 people during inspection campaigns carried out across the Kingdom between 8 and 14 October 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce residency, labor, and border-security regulations.

6,547 of those arrested were found to have violated residency rules, 3,896 were detained for border-security violations, and 3,379 for breaches of labor laws. Separately, 2,021 people were arrested while attempting to enter the country illegally.

Authorities stressed that anyone who facilitates illegal entry, transports violators, provides them with shelter, or offers them any form of assistance faces serious penalties. These can reach up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR 1,000,000. Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them may also be confiscated.

How to report violations

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

The weekly figures reflect the continued focus on regulating the labor market and maintaining border security. For residents and expatriates alike, keeping residency and work documents valid and in order remains the simplest way to avoid penalties and stay compliant with the law.

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