Saudi authorities have conducted an extensive operation targeting illegal residents and law violators, resulting in 21,267 arrests across the Kingdom during a week-long campaign in November 2024.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The Ministry of Interior’s joint field operations revealed:
- 11,607 residency law violators
- 5,285 border security regulation breaches
- 3,232 labour law infractions
- 1,401 illegal border crossing attempts
Border Crossing Demographics
Of those attempting illegal entry:
- 60% Ethiopian nationals
- 39% Yemeni nationals
- 1% Other nationalities
Legal Proceedings and Deportation Status
The authorities are processing cases for:
- 18,508 men
- 2,759 women
Current status of cases:
- 13,354 referred to diplomatic missions for travel documentation
- 3,096 finalising travel arrangements
- 10,458 already deported
Strict Penalties for Facilitators
Saudi authorities have implemented harsh penalties for those assisting illegal residents:
- Prison sentences up to 15 years
- Fines reaching SR1 million
- Seizure of vehicles used in violations
- Confiscation of properties involved
Reporting Violations
Saudi residents can report violations through dedicated hotlines:
- 911: Mecca, Riyadh, and Eastern Province
- 999 and 996: Other regions
Additional Enforcement Actions
The operation also resulted in:
- 98 arrests for attempted illegal exit from Saudi Arabia
- 6 individuals detained for facilitating illegal entry
- Multiple cases of providing unauthorised transportation and shelter
Impact on Regional Security
This crackdown represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining border security and enforcing residency regulations, affecting both individual violators and those who assist them.
Stay updated with the latest news and developments through official Saudi government channels.





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