Saudi Arabia Arrests 13,628 Violators in One Week

Authorities across Saudi Arabia recorded 13,628 violations of residency, labor, and border-security laws during a one-week nationwide campaign carried out between 17 and 23 September 2026.

The total included 6,593 residency-law violations, 3,531 border-security violations, and 3,504 labor-law violations. The campaign targeted individuals in breach of the rules across all regions of the Kingdom.

Penalties and legal consequences

Officials warned that facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom, or transporting, sheltering, or otherwise assisting border-security violators, may result in up to 15 years' imprisonment 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.

Establishments found employing residency or labor-law violators may face a fine of up to SAR 100,000, along with a recruitment ban of up to five years.

For the wide expat community in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the campaign is a reminder to keep residency and work documents valid and to ensure employment arrangements comply with the law. Members of the public can report violations by calling 911 in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

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