The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These campaigns, which covered all regions of the Kingdom, took place from 29 Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH (November 20, 2025) to 5 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH (November 26, 2025). These intensive efforts resulted in the apprehension of 21,134 violators , including 1,553 women, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability and regulate the labor market.
Details of violations and actions taken
Official statistics revealed detailed results of the campaigns, with the violations detected distributed as follows:
- 13,128 people violated the residency regulations.
- 4,826 people violated the border security system.
- 3,180 violations of the labor law.
Security authorities also thwarted border infiltration attempts, apprehending 1,667 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Yemenis comprised 42% of those apprehended, Ethiopians 57%, and other nationalities 1%. Meanwhile, 31 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the country illegally. In a related matter, 14 individuals involved in transporting, harboring, employing, and concealing illegal residents were arrested.
Background of the campaigns: “A nation without violators”
These weekly campaigns are part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive national strategy, launched in 2017 under the slogan “A Nation Without Violators.” This national campaign aims to regulate the labor market, address the phenomenon of undocumented workers, and enhance national security by eliminating the risks associated with the presence of violators of regulations, thus ensuring a safe and stable environment for both citizens and legal residents. These efforts are a cornerstone for achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in building a secure society and a prosperous economy.
Importance and expected effects
These security efforts have a positive impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, they contribute to curbing the informal economy, provide legitimate employment opportunities for citizens and legal residents, and reduce crimes that may be linked to the presence of undocumented individuals. Regionally, these measures underscore the Kingdom's commitment to protecting and controlling its borders, especially given the security challenges and economic conditions in some neighboring countries, which drive thousands to attempt to enter the country illegally.
Decisive measures and deterrent penalties
The ministry clarified that the total number of individuals currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations is 31,091 undocumented migrants (29,538 men and 1,553 women). The necessary measures have been taken against them, with 22,071 violators referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while travel arrangements are being finalized for 5,078 others, and 11,674 violators have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its firm warning that anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators into the Kingdom, provides them with transportation and shelter, or offers them any form of assistance, will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of up to one million riyals, in addition to the confiscation of property used in the crime and public shaming. The Ministry urged everyone to report any violations via the designated numbers (911), (999), and (996) to contribute to maintaining the security of the nation.
