- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior launched a week-long nationwide crackdown on residency, labour and border security violations
- Nearly 14,000 people were arrested during joint inspection campaigns conducted between October 1 and 7, 2026
- More than 33,000 expatriates are currently undergoing legal procedures, including 2,675 women
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Saudi Arabia arrested 13,889 people and deported 10,431 residents during a sweeping week-long crackdown on immigration, labour and border security violations, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday, October 11, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Joint inspection campaigns carried out alongside relevant government agencies ran from October 1 to 7, targeting individuals in breach of the Kingdom's residency, labour and border regulations.
Breakdown of Arrests
Of those detained, 6,785 were held on residency violation charges, 3,394 faced labour law breaches, and 3,710 were accused of violating border security regulations.
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Separately, 1,382 individuals were apprehended while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally at its borders.
According to Gulf News, Ethiopian nationals accounted for 66% of those caught crossing the border illegally, followed by Yemenis at 33%, with the remaining 1% comprising other nationalities.
Another 34 people were arrested while trying to leave the Kingdom through unauthorised channels.
Authorities also detained 21 individuals on charges of facilitating violations, including providing transport, housing or employment to people without legal status in the country.
Over 33,000 Face Legal Proceedings
Saudi authorities confirmed that 33,113 expatriates, 30,438 men and 2,675 women, were undergoing formal procedures to enforce immigration and residency rules.
Of these, 18,947 were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 4,596 were directed to complete arrangements for their departure.
The Ministry of Interior warned that harbouring, transporting or employing undocumented individuals carries severe consequences under Saudi law, including prison terms of up to 15 years and fines reaching SR1 million.
Vehicles and properties used in such activities are also liable for confiscation.
Residents were urged to report suspected violations by calling the emergency line 911, which operates in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Source: TUKO.co.ke