All regions of the Kingdom saw the detention of 14,440 violators of residency, employment, and border security regulations between 16 and 22 Safar 1448 AH (July 30 to August 5, 2026).
SPA reported that the joint field operations resulted in the arrest of 7,090 residency law violators, 3,932 border security violators, and 3,418 labor law violators. Additionally, 1,593 people were detained attempting to enter the Kingdom, consisting of 59% Ethiopian citizens, 40% Yemeni citizens, and 1% from other states. Another 32 individuals were detained while attempting to exit the Kingdom illegally.
Authorities also arrested 25 people involved in transporting, sheltering, or employing these violators. Currently, 32,012 foreign violators are undergoing legal procedures, including 29,995 men and 2,017 women.
Regarding processing, 10,827 violators were deported, 18,131 were sent to their diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 6,357 were processed for exit tickets.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that anyone assisting illegal entry, transporting violators, or providing them housing faces up to 15 years in prison, fines up to 1 million Saudi riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles and housing.
How many violators were detained during the recent joint field operations? A total of 14,440 violators were detained across all regions of the Kingdom between July 30 and August 5, 2026. This figure includes 7,090 individuals who violated residency laws, 3,932 who breached border security, and 3,418 who violated labor legislation.
What are the nationalities of those detained while attempting to enter the Kingdom? Out of 1,593 people detained attempting to enter the Kingdom, 59% were citizens of Ethiopia and 40% were citizens of Yemen. The remaining 1% of those detained were citizens of other states.
What legal actions have been taken regarding the foreign violators? Currently, 32,012 foreign violators, comprising 29,995 men and 2,017 women, are undergoing legal procedures. To date, 10,827 violators have been deported, 18,131 were referred to diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 6,357 were processed for exit tickets.
What are the penalties for assisting border security violators? According to the Ministry of Interior, anyone providing assistance, housing, or transport to illegal entrants faces imprisonment for up to 15 years. They may also be subject to fines reaching 1 million Saudi riyals and the confiscation of their housing and vehicles.