RIYADH : Saudi authorities have arrested an additional 12,192 people for violating residency, labor, and border laws over the past week, as the kingdom continues its widespread crackdown on illegal immigration.
According to a report by the Ministry of Interior cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), between April 16 and April 22, 2026, a total of 6,606 individuals were detained for breaching residency laws. Another 3,510 were arrested for attempting to cross the border illegally, while 2,076 faced detention for violating labor regulations.
Among those apprehended, 1,454 people were caught trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Authorities reported that 67 percent of these individuals were Ethiopian nationals, 32 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining 1 percent came from other countries.
Additionally, 50 more people were arrested while attempting to cross the border from Saudi Arabia into neighboring countries. A further 22 individuals involved in organizing or facilitating illegal travel, residency, employment, or shelter arrangements have also been detained.
During the same period, Saudi Arabia deported 17,368 illegal immigrants back to their home countries.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that under Saudi law, providing transportation, residence, employment, or shelter to illegal immigrants is considered a crime. Offenders face severe penalties, including heavy fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
The latest figures reflect the kingdom’s sustained enforcement campaign targeting undocumented migrants and those who facilitate their presence in the country.
