Saudi Arabia records 8,943 violations, deports nearly 10,000 illegal residents in one week

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Ministry of Interior recorded 8,943 violations related to residency, labor and border security laws during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted between May 14 and 20.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the violations included 4,638 residency offenses, 2,810 border security violations and 1,495 labor law violations.

The report said border authorities also apprehended 1,158 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 38 percent Yemenis, 61 percent Ethiopians and one percent belonging to other nationalities.

Authorities further arrested 54 individuals attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally, while eight people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing violators were also taken into custody.

SPA told APP that 23,679 expatriates, including 22,629 men and 1,050 women, are currently undergoing legal procedures linked to the enforcement campaign.

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The ministry said 16,402 violators were instructed to contact their embassies or consulates to obtain travel documents, while 1,619 individuals were directed to arrange travel bookings and 9,832 were repatriated during the period.

Authorities warned that anyone facilitating illegal entry, transportation, shelter or employment of violators could face up to 15 years imprisonment and fines reaching SAR1 million.

The report added that vehicles and properties used in such activities may also be confiscated under Saudi law.

According to SPA, the ministry urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.