As part of ongoing security efforts to enhance security and regulate the labor market, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of its joint field campaigns that covered all regions of the Kingdom, which resulted in the arrest of thousands of violators of regulations during the first week of January 2026.
Details of security campaigns and recorded figures
Official statistics for the period from January 1 to 7, 2026, revealed that security authorities successfully apprehended 18,836 individuals for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations. These figures comprised 11,710 residency violations, 4,239 border security violations, and 2,887 labor law violations. These significant numbers reflect the high level of security vigilance and the extensive field deployment of the Ministry's various sectors.
Border security and infiltration attempts
Regarding border security, which is the first line of defense for the nation's security, the forces apprehended 1,741 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom illegally. Ethiopian nationals constituted the largest group of these infiltrators (60%), followed by Yemeni nationals (39%), while the remaining 1% were distributed among other nationalities. Additionally, 46 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Context of the campaigns and their economic and security importance
These intensified campaigns are an extension of the "A Nation Without Violators" strategy and align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to regulate the labor market and eliminate the informal economy. Apprehending violators of residency and labor laws has not only security implications but also economic and social benefits. It contributes to creating a fair and competitive environment for legitimate businesses, reduces negative phenomena associated with undocumented workers, and guarantees the rights of both workers and employers.
Regulatory procedures and deterrent penalties
The ministry clarified that the total number of individuals currently undergoing procedures for implementing the regulations is 29,823 undocumented migrants, including 28,220 men and 1,603 women. Of these, 20,956 were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 5,201 were referred to complete their travel arrangements, and 10,195 have already been deported.
In a related context, (19) individuals were apprehended for their involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing violators of border security regulations. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warnings that anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of border security regulations, conceals them, or provides them with any form of assistance will be subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used, and public shaming. The Ministry described these actions as serious crimes that violate honor and integrity.
Official reporting channels
Security authorities called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in reporting any violations by calling the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that the security of the homeland is everyone’s responsibility.
