Saudi Arabia Arrests Nearly 12,000 Illegal Migrants in One Week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities have arrested 11,967 individuals in a single week for violating residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.

Of those arrested, 7,650 were held for breaching residency laws, 2,952 for attempting illegal border crossings, and 1,365 for labor-related violations.

Among the 1,140 people apprehended for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 71% were Ethiopian, 26% Yemeni, and 3% from other nationalities. Additionally, 42 people were caught attempting to cross into neighboring countries, and 17 were detained for facilitating or harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that anyone aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom—whether by providing transportation or shelter—faces up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR 1 million ($267,000), and potential confiscation of vehicles and property.

The public is encouraged to report suspected violations via toll-free numbers: 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions and 999 or 996 elsewhere in the Kingdom.