As part of a statewide crackdown on labour, residence, and border infractions, Saudi authorities arrested over 21,000 offenders in coordinated field operations around the kingdom, including nearly 14,000 for violations of residence laws, 4,600 for border security crimes, and over 3,000 for labour law violations.
Officials have also deported 10,000 foreign nationals in the last week, according to the Ministry of Interior.
According to the ministry, 2,300 people were in the process of finalizing travel plans for deportation, and another 27,000 people were sent to their respective diplomatic posts to obtain travel passports.
Security forces arrested 1,477 people who were trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally during the operations. Of these, 41% were Yemenis, 55% were Ethiopians, and 4% were of other ethnicities.
While attempting to unlawfully depart the country, 90 more were arrested.
Additionally, authorities detained 18 people on suspicion of harboring, transporting, or hiring undocumented foreign nationals.
They issued a warning that those found guilty of enabling illegal residency could face harsh punishments, such as up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to $266,648 and the seizure of any vehicles or property used to assist violators.
The ministry emphasized that these transgressions are regarded as breaches of public trust and are categorized as serious crimes that call for arrest. It asked locals to report any infractions by calling emergency hotlines, which included regionally specialized numbers.
The statement further stated that 34,000 foreign nationals, 31,000 of whom are men and 3,000 of whom are women, are currently being processed for legal action under the enforcement measures.
