Saudi Interior Ministry Detains Over 15,000 Residency and Labor Violators

The Saudi Ministry of Interior reported on Saturday the detention of 15,430 individuals violating residency and labor regulations, alongside the deportation of over 11,000 others due to various infractions.

According to an official statement, joint field operations were conducted across multiple regions of the Kingdom between July 2 and July 8, 2026. These campaigns targeted violations of residency, labor, and border security laws, resulting in the apprehension of offenders.

The ministry specified that among those detained, 7,913 breached residency laws, 4,037 violated border security regulations, and 3,480 were in violation of labor laws.

Additionally, authorities intercepted 1,542 individuals attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, with 46% identified as Yemeni nationals and 53% as Ethiopian nationals. Meanwhile, 30 people were detained while trying to exit the country through unauthorized means.

Further arrests included 27 individuals implicated in transporting, sheltering, employing, and concealing violators of the legal systems. Currently, 29,286 expatriates who have violated regulations remain under legal procedures.

The ministry also indicated that 17,353 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while travel arrangements have been completed for 5,438 individuals. A total of 11,800 violators have been deported.

The Interior Ministry reiterated its warning against facilitating the entry, transport, or sheltering of individuals violating border security laws. It emphasized that penalties for such offenses may include imprisonment for up to 15 years, fines reaching one million riyals, confiscation of vehicles or residences used, and public exposure of the violators.