Saudi Arabia Detains 19,000 Laborers For Residency Breaches

Saudi Arabia’s security forces have apprehended more than 19,000 individuals in a week for various infractions concerning residency, border security, and labor laws. The nationwide crackdown, led by the Ministry of Interior, targeted violators across all regions of the Kingdom.

The operation focused on individuals engaged in a range of offenses, including breaches of residency regulations, violations of border security, and contraventions of labor laws.

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Out of those detained, 11,987 were found to have breached residency regulations, 4,367 were implicated in border security violations, and approximately 2,696 were apprehended for labor law infringements. Security personnel also intercepted 1,011 individuals attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, primarily Ethiopians (61%), Yemenis (36%), and individuals of other nationalities (3%).

The crackdown also led to the arrest of 18 individuals accused of aiding violators through transportation, sheltering, or employment.

Currently, legal proceedings are underway for 56,597 violators, including 4,445 women. The Ministry of Interior has taken several measures in response, including coordinating with diplomatic missions for travel documents, facilitating travel arrangements, and deporting individuals.

The ministry underscores the severity of penalties for involvement in illegal border crossings, with potential consequences including up to 15 years in prison, fines up to one million riyals, and confiscation of vehicles and properties used in the commission of these crimes.

Categorized as major offenses impacting public honor and integrity, the Ministry of Interior urges the public to report suspected violations through designated emergency contacts nationwide.