September 7, 2026: Saudi authorities have arrested more than 14,000 migrants in a nationwide crackdown on alleged violations of residency, labour and border security laws. A total of 14,165 people were detained during coordinated operations conducted by various government agencies across the kingdom.
According to Gulf News, citing figures released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, the arrests took place between August 27 and September 2.
The ministry said 7,121 people were arrested for alleged violations of residency regulations, while 3,636 were detained for breaching border security laws and 3,408 for labour-related violations.
During the same period, authorities deported 12,363 people who were found to be residing illegally in the country.
Another 18,937 individuals were instructed to contact diplomatic missions representing their home countries to obtain the necessary travel documents. A further 3,240 people were directed to arrange tickets to return to their respective countries.
Authorities also detained 1,315 people while they were allegedly attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those detained, 58 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 41 percent were Yemeni nationals and 1 percent were from other countries.
In addition, 42 people were arrested while allegedly attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Authorities also detained 21 residents accused of transporting or providing shelter to people who had violated residency and labour regulations.
According to the Ministry of Interior, a total of 29,773 migrants are currently undergoing legal procedures in Saudi Arabia over alleged violations of immigration and labour regulations. Of them, 27,845 are men and 1,928 are women.
Heavy penalties for facilitating illegal entry
Saudi authorities have continued to conduct regular nationwide operations as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration.
Under Saudi law, anyone found guilty of facilitating the illegal entry of people into the kingdom can face a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly warned residents and citizens against helping individuals enter, remain in or leave the country illegally.
Saudi Arabia currently has a population of around 34.8 million, with a large number of migrant workers from countries around the world employed across various sectors of its labour market.
Sources: Gulf News; Saudi Ministry of Interior.