14,260 Residency Violators Arrested in One Week

Security authorities across Saudi Arabia arrested 14,260 people for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations during the week of 13–19 August 2026, as part of ongoing nationwide field campaigns coordinated by the Ministry of Interior with other government entities.

6,900 of those arrested had breached the Residency Law, 3,982 had violated border security regulations, and 3,378 had broken the Labor Law. The joint campaigns cover all regions of the Kingdom and are carried out on a continuous, weekly basis.

During the same week, 13,724 illegal residents were deported. In addition, 18,808 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 5,386 were referred to complete their travel reservations ahead of departure.

Penalties and warnings

Officials reiterated that anyone who transports, employs, shelters, or otherwise assists individuals who have entered or remained in the country illegally faces imprisonment and financial fines, with non-Saudi offenders liable to deportation.

For the community, the campaigns are a reminder of the importance of keeping residency and labor status in order. Individuals who wish to correct their status or leave voluntarily can use General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) offices for exit procedures, the أبشر platform for residency and exit services, and مقيم and other employer systems to manage residency and employment status. Those without valid identity or travel documents can approach their diplomatic missions to obtain the necessary paperwork.

Similar weekly totals have been recorded throughout 2026, confirming that enforcement remains steady and nationwide.

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