The ministry explained that the campaigns were conducted from October 22 to October 28, 2026, across different regions of Saudi Arabia. Of the total number arrested, 6,880 individuals were found to have violated residency regulations, 3,500 were recorded as border security violators, and 2,977 were identified as labour law violators. The figures represent the combined results of field operations carried out by the competent security and regulatory authorities.

Authorities also reported arresting 1,446 individuals while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia by crossing the border illegally. Another 37 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom through unauthorized border crossings. These figures highlight the role of border security operations in detecting irregular movement and applying the established legal procedures to individuals attempting to enter or depart outside the permitted channels.

The Ministry of Interior further disclosed that 12 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in transporting, sheltering, employing or concealing violators of residency, labour and border security regulations. This aspect of the enforcement campaign demonstrates that legal action is not limited to individuals whose status violates the applicable rules, but also extends to those who knowingly facilitate unauthorized activities.

According to the official figures, a total of 39,731 expatriate violators were undergoing procedures related to the enforcement of residency and labour regulations at the time of the announcement. This total included 37,520 men and 2,211 women. The figure reflects the broader number of individuals whose cases are being processed and should not be confused with the 13,357 arrests recorded during the specific seven-day campaign period.

Regarding travel documentation and deportation procedures, authorities stated that 21,330 violators had been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain the necessary travel documents. Another 8,647 individuals had been referred to complete travel booking arrangements. The ministry additionally confirmed that 8,875 violators had been deported as part of the implementation of relevant legal and administrative procedures.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that facilitating the unlawful entry of border security violators into Saudi Arabia, transporting them within the Kingdom, providing shelter or offering assistance in any form can expose those responsible to severe penalties. Under the applicable regulations, punishments may reach imprisonment for up to 15 years and financial fines of up to SAR 1 million, depending on the circumstances and legal findings of each case.

The announced penalties may also include the confiscation of vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them, together with public disclosure of the offender’s identity in accordance with the relevant legal provisions. The ministry emphasized that facilitating illegal border entry is classified as a serious offence requiring detention and involving conduct considered detrimental to honour and trustworthiness under Saudi regulations.

As part of its efforts to encourage public cooperation, the ministry urged citizens and residents to report suspected violations involving residency, labour and border security rules. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while the numbers 999 and 996 are designated for reports in other regions of Saudi Arabia. Public cooperation remains an important component of the authorities’ enforcement strategy.

The latest results come as Saudi Arabia continues implementing joint inspections and security campaigns aimed at identifying violators and taking the necessary action against those who assist them. The ministry’s figures also demonstrate the distinction between arrests made during a particular reporting period, pending administrative cases and completed deportations, each representing a different stage of the enforcement process.

Through its regular announcements, the Ministry of Interior continues to emphasize compliance with residency permits, employment authorization requirements and border regulations. The October 31 statement provides the results of a specific enforcement period rather than a newly introduced law, while reminding individuals and employers of the serious legal consequences associated with knowingly facilitating violations of the Kingdom’s immigration and border security rules.

Source: Saudi Ministry of Interior – Saudi Press Agency (SPA)