World · Middle East · 11 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia arrests 13,822 people in a week-long enforcement campaign
Saudi authorities arrested 13,822 people in joint inspections across the country from October 8 to 14.
The arrests involved residency, labor and border security violations.
Officials said 2,021 people were caught trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, while 28 were arrested attempting to leave unlawfully.
Authorities deported 9,454 people during the week, and referred 20,190 to diplomatic missions for travel documents.
Another 34,834 expatriates were undergoing procedures to enforce the laws.
The Ministry of Interior also said 24 people were arrested for helping violators with transport, shelter or employment.
People who assist illegal entry or shelter or transport violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals, and vehicles or properties used may be confiscated.
Saudi authorities arrested 13,822 people during a week-long enforcement campaign from October 8 to 14.
The arrests involved alleged violations of residency, border security and labor laws.
Authorities said 2,021 people were detained while trying to enter Saudi Arabia and 28 while trying to leave illegally.
The campaign also led to 9,454 deportations, while 34,834 expatriates were undergoing legal procedures.
The Ministry of Interior warned that helping people enter or remain in the country illegally can lead to prison, fines and confiscation of vehicles or property.
- Who
- Saudi security forces arrested 13,822 people. Authorities also arrested 24 people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing violators.
- What
- A nationwide campaign targeted violations of residency, labor and border security laws.
- When
- October 8–14, 2026.
- Where
- Across Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- To monitor and apprehend people violating residency, labor and border security regulations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi authorities reported 11,819 arrests during joint inspections, according to Business Insider Africa.
Authorities reported 13,889 arrests and 10,431 deportations, according to Gulf News.
Authorities reported 13,822 arrests and 9,454 deportations.
- Total arrests
- 13,822
- Campaign period
- October 8–14, 2026
- Residency law violations
- 6,547
- Border security law violations
- 3,896
- Labor law violations
- 3,379
- Deported
- 9,454
5 sources
«الداخلية»: تسهيل عبور المتسللين وإيوائهم جريمة مخلة بالشرف والأمانة
13,822 violators of residency, labor and border security laws arrested in a week
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