Week-long nationwide enforcement operation has arrested 19,077 illegal residents Saudi Arabiathe Interior Ministry announced on Saturday. Security forces and relevant government agencies conducted coordinated inspections between February 19 and 25. These violations spanned multiple legal categories. Authorities reported that 13,215 people were detained for violating the Residence Act. A further 3,396 people were arrested for violating the Border Security Act and 2,466 for violating the Labor Code. Enforcement measures are already underway. A total of 14,982 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 1,364 people have been directed to complete travel bookings. During the same reporting period, 11,040 offenders were deported. Border enforcement operations also recorded new arrests. Security forces detained 1,615 people trying to enter the kingdom illegally. Of those intercepted, 34% were Yemeni nationals, 64% were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining 2% were of other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 70 people trying to leave the country illegally. The scope of the investigation extends beyond the offenders themselves. Ten people accused of providing transportation, housing or employment opportunities to illegal residents were detained. The ministry further revealed that 20,712 foreign nationals are currently undergoing the process of implementing legal measures. The group included 19,304 men and 1,408 women. The Home Office has issued a stern warning that facilitating illegal entry, transporting offenders, providing asylum or providing any form of assistance will result in severe penalties. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million riyals. Vehicles used for transportation and property used for shelter will be confiscated. The public in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province is urged to call 911 to report violations. In other parts of Saudi Arabia, reports can be made through 999 or 996.
