In a major crackdown, Saudi authorities have detained over 22,000 individuals across the Kingdom for violations related to residency, labor laws, and border security. The Ministry of Interior reported that these arrests occurred between July 24 and July 30 as part of ongoing joint field security campaigns.

The breakdown of the arrests reveals that 13,835 individuals were apprehended for breaching residenc regulations. Meanwhile, 4,772 people were found violating border security laws and an additional 3,540 faced charges related to labor law infringements.

In efforts to curb illegal entry into the country, officials detained 1,816 people trying to cross into Saudi Arabia unlawfully; among them were 36% Yemeni nationals, 62% Ethiopian nationals, and a small percentage from other nations. Furthermore, authorities caught 34 individuals attempting to exit the country without permission.

The sweep also resulted in the capture of 20 suspects accused of facilitating illegal activities by transporting or hiding offenders.

At present, legal proceedings are underway for a total of 21,143 violators-comprising both men (18,326) and women (2,817). Among these cases, 13,569 offenders have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain necessary travel documents. Additionally, arrangements are being made for the travel bookings of 3,566 individuals while deportations have already been executed for some 10,820 violators.

The Ministry highlighted strict penalties for those involved in aiding border security violators. Such offenses can result in imprisonment up to 15 years and fines reaching as much as one million Saudi riyals ($266,000). Authorities may also confiscate vehicles and housing used during these illicit activities while publicly naming those involved-a measure emphasizing the severity with which this crime is regarded.

The Interior Ministry calls upon citizens to assist in maintaining order by reporting any violations through designated emergency numbers: call 911 within Makkah Region-including Madinah-and Riyadh or reach out via numbers 999 and 996 in other areas across Saudi Arabia.