Saudi Arabia has launched a sweeping enforcement operation against residency, labor and border violations, resulting in tens of thousands of arrests and legal action in just one week, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the government’s resolute response. Saudi Arabia’s joint field operation to monitor and arrest those violating residency, labor and border security regulations recorded 22,931 violations across all regions between March 12 and 18, 2026, the Ministry of Interior announced. Of those arrested, 17,181 were found for breaches of residence laws, 3,931 for breaches of border security laws and 1,819 for breaches of labor laws, indicating that the majority of cases stemmed from irregular residence status. Law enforcement operations also detained 1,635 people trying to enter the Kingdom illegally. Among them, Ethiopians account for 68%, Yemenis account for 29%, and other ethnic groups account for 3%. Authorities further reported that 40 people were arrested while attempting to illegally exit the country, noting that authorities continued efforts to monitor entry and exit routes. In addition to those who directly breached the regulations, 36 people were arrested for assisting a crime, including transporting, harboring or employing offenders and attempting to cover up their activities. The ministry’s figures also revealed the scale of ongoing legal proceedings, with 29,564 expats currently being subject to proceedings, including 26,714 men and 2,850 women. As part of the administrative process, 21,133 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,285 individuals have been referred to complete travel arrangements. Meanwhile, 7,761 offenders have been deported, reflecting the speed with which authorities are processing cases. The Ministry of Interior issued a strong warning that anyone involved in facilitating the illegal entry, transportation or asylum of offenders will face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 1 million riyals, the confiscation of vehicles and housing used for such activities, and the public naming of offenders. It stressed that the offenses were classified as serious offenses requiring detention and were considered dishonorable. As authorities continue to expand enforcement efforts across the Kingdom, the public is urged to report violations through the designated helpline, 911 in Makkah, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Governorate, and 999 or 996 in other regions.
