The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of its ongoing joint field campaigns across the Kingdom, aimed at tracking down and apprehending violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These intensive campaigns, conducted between January 15 and 21, 2026, resulted in the arrest of thousands of violators, as part of the Kingdom's efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market.
Details of seizures and official figures
Official data revealed that field campaigns resulted in the apprehension of (18,200) violators in various regions, and the violations were distributed as follows:
- Residence system: (11,442) violators were apprehended, and they constitute the largest percentage of the total number of those apprehended.
- Border security system: The number of violators apprehended reached (3931) people.
- Work system: (2827) violators were detected and apprehended.
Border security and infiltration attempts
Regarding border security, reports indicate that a total of 1,762 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. Ethiopian nationals constituted the largest group at 53%, followed by Yemeni nationals at 46%, with the remaining 1% distributed among other nationalities. Additionally, 46 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Legal procedures and deportation
A large number of violators are currently undergoing enforcement procedures, with a total of 25,477 undocumented migrants being dealt with, including 23,443 men and 2,034 women. The following steps have been taken:
- (18685) violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.
- (3011) violators were referred to complete their travel arrangements.
- The deportation order was carried out against (14451) violators.
General context and importance of security campaigns
These intensified campaigns are an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented workers and residency violators, given their direct negative impact on national security and the economy. Through these stringent measures, the relevant authorities aim to protect the labor market from irregular practices, reduce the size of the informal economy, and ensure a regulated and safe environment for both citizens and legal residents.
These figures reflect the vigilance of the security services and their ability to monitor violations in all areas, including rugged border regions, which enhances the rule of law and the prestige of the state.
Stern warnings and severe penalties
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its strong warnings to anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security regulations, transports them, provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance. The Ministry emphasized that these actions constitute serious crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity, with penalties reaching:
- Imprisonment for up to 15 years.
- A financial penalty of up to one million riyals.
- Confiscation of the means of transport and the accommodation used for sheltering.
- Defaming those who disagree.
(11) people have already been arrested for being involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators during this period.
Reporting figures
Security authorities called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any violations via the official numbers:
- The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
- The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.
