Saudi Arabia arrests over 14,000 in week-long crackdown on residency, labour violations

Saudi Arabia arrested 14,154 people in a week-long campaign from July 23 to July 29 targeting residency, labour, and border security violations.

The arrests included 7,103 for residency violations, 3,654 for border security offences, and 3,397 for labour law breaches.

Among those intercepted for illegal entry, 54% were Yemeni nationals, 45% Ethiopian, and 1% from other countries.

Authorities also arrested 23 people for attempting to leave the country illegally and 17 for facilitating violations.

Penalties for assisting violators include up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles and property.