Mass crackdown in Saudi Arabia: Arrests over 22,000 in one week for residency and labour violations

Time of India

4 days ago

Between 24–30 July 2025, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior detained 22,147 individuals/Representative Image
TL;DR:
Between July 24–30, 2025, authorities detained 22,147 violators in a nationwide sweep.
Arrests included illegal residents, border crossers, and labour law violators, with 11,000 already deported.
The government warned of severe penalties including prison, fines, and asset seizure for anyone aiding violators.
In a sweeping enforcement operation conducted between 24–30 July 2025, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior detained 22,147 individuals for violations of residency, labour, and border regulations, reinforcing its zero-tolerance strategy toward unauthorized presence in the Kingdom.
Scope of the campaign
Residency infractions made up the bulk, with 13,835 arrests.
Border security breaches accounted for 4,772 individuals.
Labour law violations
resulted in 3,540 arrests.
During the week:
1,816 people were intercepted attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Among them, 62% were Ethiopian, 36% Yemeni, and 2% from other countries.
An additional 34 individuals were detained for attempting unauthorised exit from the country.
Officials detained 20 individuals accused of providing transport, housing, or employment to violators, highlighting a crackdown on support networks enabling illegal presence.
Current Detention & Repatriation Status
At present, 21,143 detainees (including 18,326 men and 2,817 women) are under legal processing.
11,000 individuals have been officially deported.
Meanwhile, 13,569 were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 3,566 remain as arrangements are finalized.
Legal consequences for violators & aiders
Saudi authorities have issued stern warnings:
Anyone found assisting illegal residency, whether through shelter, transport, or employment—faces:
Up to 15 years in prison
Fines up to SR 1 million (approx. USD 266,000)
Asset confiscation, including vehicles or properties used for violation
Public blacklisting of offenders as part of the deterrence strategy
The Ministry classified these violations as major crimes, emphasizing the importance of prosecuting both violators and facilitators.
Strategic importance of the campaign
Inter-agency coordination: multiple branches of security and interior ministries conducted synchronized inspection raids nationwide.
Comprehensive enforcement: efforts targeted not only individual violators but also the networks facilitating unlawful movement.
Public cooperation: residents were urged to report sus­pected violations using dedicated hotlines, 911 for Riyadh, Makkah, Eastern Region; 999 or 996 for other province.
Broader context & trends
This is part of a sustained enforcement approach seen throughout 2025, including similar campaigns in January, February, and March, where between 21,000 and 23,000 violators were detained in weekly operations.
The persistent focus on identifying and deporting violators underscores Saudi Arabia's ongoing emphasis on regulatory compliance and border security.
The week-long campaign ending 30 July 2025 saw about 22,147 arrests, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement of immigration, labour, and border laws. With deportations, legal proceedings, and severe sanctions for violators and their facilitators, the Kingdom continues to drive a zero-tolerance policy. Public vigilance and reporting remain core to this national initiative.