Saudi Arabia security officials arrested 22,222 illegal residents in coordinated operations between August 14 and August 20, 2025. The Interior Ministry announced that violars of residence, labor and border security laws were arrested and are now facing legal processes and exile.TL; Dr:
- Saudi officials arrested 22,222 illegal residents in joint security works within a week, including violations of residence, border and labor laws.
- More than 12,900 was deported, while thousands of people are being processed to complete repatriation or travel documents; Most of the border crossrs were Yamani or Ethiopian citizens.
- Facilitators of illegal residence face up to 15 years in jail, fined SR1 million, and seizing vehicles/property; The public is urged to report violations through the national hotline.
Description of arrests and procedures
According to the Interior Ministry, large -scale arrests resulted in joint inspections conducted by Saudi security forces and government agencies. Between 14 and 20 August, 13,551 persons were found to be violating the resident laws, while 4,665 violated border security and 4,006.A significant number, 19,596 violators have been sent to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents for repatriation. Another 1,664 was assisted with travel reservation, and 12,920 illegal residents have already been deported.Attempt to illegally cross the border is a major source of illegal concern: 1,786 individuals were arrested at entry points, 42% of Yemeni Nationals, 57% Ethiopians, which were left from other countries. Additionally, 33 people were arrested in an attempt to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Easy and punishment
Saudi officials are targeting not only violars, but also those who facilitate illegal residence. In the last week, 18 people were arrested for providing transport, shelter or employment. The internal ministry warned that anyone supporting illegal residents faces 15 years in jail, fined SR1 million, and vehicles or assets used in violations are confiscated.Currently, 25,921 migrants, including 23,419 men and 2,502 females, are undergoing processes to implement residency and labor rules. The Interior Ministry called upon citizens and residents to report cases of illegal residence. Hotlines are available: 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and Eastern Provinces; 999 and 996 elsewhere. Its purpose is to tighten security and ensure that residents and border laws are seen nationwide.
Fasting
Q. How many illegal residents were arrested in the latest Saudi crack?A total of 22,222 illegal residents were arrested from August 14 to August 20, 2025.Q. What are the main violations among those arrested?Violations included residence, border security and labor laws violations.Q. What is the facility of the illegal residence in Saudi Arabia?In jail, up to 15 years, SR1 million in fine, and seizure of vehicles or assets involved in violation.Q. How can a public report report illegal residence cases?Calling 911 and 999 or 996 in the state in Mecca, Riyadh, Eastern Provinces.
