Large scale cracks in Saudi Arabia: Arrest of more than 22,000 in a week for residence and labor violations. world News
TL; Dr:
- Between 24–30 July 2025, officials detained 22,147 violator in a nationwide sweep.
- The arrest included illegal residents, border crossrs and labor law violations, with 11,000 already exiled.
- The government warned of serious punishment including jail, fine, and seizure of property for violator for any person.
In a comprehensive enforcement operation conducted between 24–30 July 2025, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Internal Arabia detained 22,147 persons for violation of residence, labor and border regulations, which strengthens its zero-assessment strategy towards unauthorized presence in the state.
Campaign
- Residency infrastation made bulk with 13,835 arrests.
- Border security violations are responsible for 4,772 individuals.
Labor law violation As a result of 3,540 arrests.
during the week:
- 1,816 people were attempted to illegally enter Saudi Arabia. Among them, 62% were Ethiopian, 36% of Yemeni and 2% from other countries.
- An additional 34 persons were detained for an attempt to get out unauthorized from the country.
Authorities detained 20 persons accused of providing transportation, housing, or employment to violars, who highlight a crack on the support network enabling illegal attendance.
Current detention and repatriation status
- Currently, 21,143 prisoners (including 18,326 men and 2,817 women) are subject to legal processing.
- 11,000 persons have been officially deported.
- Meanwhile, 13,569 were sent to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and the system is finalized as 3,566.
Legal results for violations and supporters
Saudi officials have issued strict warnings:
- Helps anyone illegal residence, whether through shelter, transport, or employment – such:
- In jail for 15 years
- SR 1 million fine (almost. USD 266,000)
- Assets seizure
- Public blacklisting of criminals as part of detention strategy
The ministry classified these violations as major crimes, emphasizing the importance of prosecuting both violars and convenience.
Strategic importance of campaign
- Inter-agency coordination: Several branches of security and internal ministries conducted nationwide inspection raids.
- Comprehensive enforcement: Efforts not only targeted individual violations, but also facilitated illegal movement to the network.
- Public cooperation: Residents were urged to report suspicious violations using dedicated hotline, 911 for Riyadh, Mecca, Eastern Region; 999 or 996 for other provinces.
- It is part of a constant enforcement approach observed in 2025, including similar campaigns in January, February and March, where 21,000 to 23,000 violator was detained in weekly operations.
- Constant attention to identifying and extinguishing violations underlines the emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s regulatory compliance and border security.
The week -long campaign ending on 30 July 2025 saw about 22,147 arrests, strengthening strict enforcement of immigration, labor and boundary laws of Saudi Arabia. The state continues the zero-optimity policy, with deportation, legal proceedings and serious sanctions for violations and their infhils. Public vigilance and reporting is the main for this national initiative.
