Saudi Arabia arrests more than 7,700 residency, labour and border violators in one-week crackdown

Saudi authorities arrested 7,760 people for violating residency, labour and border regulations during nationwide enforcement operations conducted over a one-week period, according to the Ministry of Interior.The inspections, carried out jointly with several government agencies between May 28 and June 3, targeted individuals accused of breaching immigration and employment laws across the Kingdom.Official figures showed that 4,060 people were detained for residency-related violations, while 2,574 were accused of breaching border security regulations. Another 1,126 individuals were arrested for labour law offences.Security forces also intercepted 1,184 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The Ministry of Interior said Ethiopians accounted for 70 per cent of those detained at the border, followed by Yemenis at 28 per cent, while the remaining two per cent were from other nationalities.Authorities further arrested 25 individuals who were allegedly trying to leave the country through illegal routes.As part of ongoing enforcement measures, Saudi officials deported 4,690 people during the reporting period. Another 14,495 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 850 others were directed to complete travel arrangements ahead of departure.The ministry said legal procedures are currently underway against 21,774 expatriates, including 20,455 men and 1,319 women.Investigators also detained 16 people accused of assisting violators by providing transport, accommodation or employment.The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating the illegal entry, movement or sheltering of undocumented individuals is a criminal offence. Under Saudi law, offenders can face prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines reaching SR1 million and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the violations.Authorities urged residents to report suspected violations through emergency hotlines operating across the Kingdom.