14,434 Violators Arrested Across Saudi Arabia in One Week

Saudi security forces arrested 14,434 people for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations during joint field campaigns carried out across all regions of the Kingdom in the week of 20–26 August 2026, involving security agencies and other relevant government bodies.

6,976 individuals were held for breaching residency regulations, 4,110 for border security violations including illegal entry attempts, and 3,348 for labor regulation violations.

Among those caught trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, a total of 1,450 individuals were recorded, of whom roughly 58% were Ethiopian, 41% Yemeni, and 1% of other nationalities. In addition, 44 people were caught attempting to cross into neighboring countries, while 27 individuals were arrested for transporting, sheltering, employing, or harboring violators.

Penalties and reporting

Anyone who facilitates the illegal entry, transport, or shelter of violators faces imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine of up to 1,000,000 SAR, and confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offense.

Authorities urged the public to report violations of residency, labor, or border regulations by calling 911 in the Riyadh and Makkah regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

Under the usual procedures, large numbers of violators are referred to their diplomatic missions to issue travel documents, while others complete travel bookings and are deported after completing legal procedures. The ongoing campaigns reflect continued enforcement of iqama, work-permit, and border rules that affect residents and expatriate communities nationwide.

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