Saudi Arabia has deported 14,905 people following a nationwide crackdown on residency, labour and border security violations, while authorities arrested 14,434 violators during inspections conducted across the Kingdom from August 20 to August 26, 2026.

Saudi Arabia’s Nationwide Residency Crackdown

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior conducted a week-long nationwide enforcement campaign in coordination with relevant government authorities to identify and take action against violations of the Kingdom’s residency, labour and border security regulations.

The campaign resulted in the arrest of 14,434 people for different types of violations.

The breakdown was:

• 6,976 residency law violations

• 4,110 border security violations

• 3,348 labour law violations

The latest campaign reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued enforcement of residency and labour regulations across all regions of the Kingdom.

14,905 People Deported From Saudi Arabia

According to the Ministry of Interior, 14,905 people were deported following the enforcement campaign.

Authorities also referred 18,914 individuals to their diplomatic missions to obtain the necessary travel documents.

Another 2,867 people were referred to complete travel arrangements before leaving the Kingdom.

A further 29,938 expatriates remain under procedures to enforce Saudi Arabia’s immigration and residency regulations.

This group includes:

• 27,957 men

• 1,981 women

The figures show that enforcement procedures continue even after the initial arrests, with authorities processing individuals for documentation, travel arrangements and deportation.

Saudi Arabia Arrests People Attempting Illegal Entry

The nationwide campaign also targeted individuals attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally.

Authorities arrested 1,450 people while they were attempting to enter the Kingdom through unauthorized routes.

The nationality breakdown among those detained was:

• 58% Ethiopian nationals

• 41% Yemeni nationals

• 1% other nationalities

In addition, 44 people were arrested while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.

Authorities Arrest People Helping Residency Violators

Saudi authorities also took action against individuals accused of helping people violate residency, labour or border security regulations.

A total of 27 people were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or employing individuals who were in violation of Saudi regulations.

The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly warned that helping people enter or remain in Saudi Arabia illegally can result in severe criminal penalties.

Up to 15 Years in Prison and SR1 Million Fine

Saudi authorities have reiterated that people who facilitate illegal entry into the Kingdom, transport violators, provide accommodation or offer other assistance can face severe penalties.

According to the Ministry of Interior, such offenses can result in:

• Up to 15 years in prison

• A fine of up to SR1 million

• Confiscation of vehicles used to transport violators

• Confiscation of properties used to shelter violators

The penalties are intended to discourage individuals from helping people evade Saudi residency, labour and border security regulations.

Arab Local has previously reported on Saudi warnings concerning residency and work-law violations, including penalties for people who assist violators.

Saudi Arabia Continues Enforcement Against Residency Violations

Saudi authorities regularly conduct nationwide inspection campaigns targeting people who violate residency regulations, work without the required authorization or breach border security rules.

The campaigns also target people who assist violators by providing transportation, accommodation, employment or other forms of support.

Similar enforcement campaigns have resulted in thousands of arrests and deportations in previous weeks. Arab Local previously reported that more than 12,000 illegal residents were deported during another nationwide enforcement operation.

Another previous campaign resulted in the deportation of more than 11,700 people following inspections targeting residency, labour and border security violations.

What Saudi Residents and Employers Should Know

Residents and employers should ensure that all residency, employment and work authorization requirements are valid and up to date.

Employers should also ensure that workers are legally authorized to perform their jobs and that employment arrangements comply with Saudi labour regulations.

Individuals should avoid providing accommodation, transportation or employment to people who are violating Saudi residency or border security regulations.

Saudi Arabia’s Message on Residency and Border Security

The latest figures underline the Saudi authorities’ continued efforts to enforce residency, labour and border security regulations nationwide.

The Ministry of Interior has urged residents and citizens to comply with the Kingdom’s regulations and avoid activities that could facilitate illegal entry, unauthorized employment or unlawful residency.

Violations can result in arrest, legal proceedings, deportation and substantial penalties depending on the nature of the offense.

Key Numbers From the Latest Saudi Crackdown

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia has intensified its nationwide enforcement of residency, labour and border security regulations, deporting 14,905 people after inspections conducted from August 20 to August 26, 2026. Authorities also arrested 14,434 people for residency, border security and labour violations, while thousands more remain under procedures for documentation, travel and deportation. The Ministry of Interior has again warned that anyone who facilitates illegal entry, transports, shelters or employs violators could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, along with possible confiscation of vehicles and properties used in the violations.