RIYADH: Saudi Arabia arrested more than 15,000 people in a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting residency, labour and border-security violations, according to reports citing the Interior Ministry.
The sweep covered the period from June 25 to July 1, 2026, and was carried out across the Kingdom as part of ongoing inspection campaigns, the reports said.
A total of 7,913 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,037 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,480 for labour-related issues.
Among the 1,542 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 46 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities. A further 30 people were caught trying to cross into neighbouring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harbouring violators.
Saudi media said the operation led to arrests of violators of residency, labour and border-security regulations, while related enforcement measures were also taken against people accused of facilitating the violations.
The figure has been reported with slight variation across outlets, with one report citing 15,430 arrests and Saudi publications putting the total at 15,591. The counts refer to the same campaign period.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Authorities have repeatedly stepped up inspection drives in recent months as part of efforts to curb illegal residency, labour breaches and border violations.
