Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Aug 17: Saudi security authorities detained 21,997 illegal residents and law violators between August 7 and 13, 2025, during nationwide inspections, the Ministry of Interior said.

Operations targeted breaches of residency, border, and labour laws, with many detainees of Yemeni and Ethiopian nationality.

Officials reported:

• 13,434 violated residency rules
• 4,697 breached border security
• 3,866 broke labour laws
• 1,787 caught attempting illegal entry
• 27 detained for unlawful exit

Authorities referred 18,149 violators to their diplomatic missions, assisted nearly 3,000 with travel arrangements, and deported over 12,800. Eighteen individuals aiding illegal residents were also arrested.

The Ministry warned of strict penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of SR1 million, and seizure of vehicles or property used in crimes. Citizens are urged to report violations through official emergency numbers.