RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has reported 21,029 violations of residency, labour and border security regulations during nationwide inspection campaigns conducted from 5 to 11 February, according to the state news agency SPA.
The infractions comprised 12,875 cases related to residency laws, including overstays and invalid residence permits (Iqama); 4,778 linked to border security, such as attempts at illegal entry or exit; and 3,376 involving labour regulations, including unauthorised employment.
Of those processed, authorities repatriated 13,213 individuals, detained 16,121 pending coordination for travel documentation, and advised 2,270 to arrange their own departure. Additionally, 29 citizens and companies were arrested for transporting, sheltering or employing violators, with potential penalties including fines of up to SAR 1 million and imprisonment for up to 15 years.
The operation, which included checks at construction sites, residential compounds, transport facilities and labour accommodations, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to regulatory compliance as part of broader labour market reforms under Vision 2030. Officials have reiterated that facilitating violations carries severe consequences, following recent announcements of stricter measures for sponsors who fail to report visa overstays.
For the large Indian expatriate community – the second-largest foreign workforce in the Kingdom, concentrated in construction, services and other sectors – the developments emphasise the importance of maintaining valid documentation. Indian diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah have advised nationals to carry digital copies of their Iqama and employment contracts via the Absher or Muqeem platforms, and to contact dedicated hotlines or the MADAD portal for assistance if needed.
Employers are encouraged to conduct thorough compliance audits across supply chains, as Saudi regulations hold principal contractors accountable for subcontractor infractions. Authorities continue to promote a transparent and orderly labour environment through platforms such as Qiwa for sponsorship and visa processing.
While work visa sponsorship remains available without permanent nationality-based prohibitions, processing for high-volume countries may involve additional scrutiny or quotas. Temporary restrictions on certain short-term visas (including visit, Umrah and family categories) are periodically applied during Hajj preparations for select nationalities to manage crowds and prevent overstays, with work visas generally unaffected.
Expatriates and businesses are advised to stay informed through official channels, including the Ministry of Interior, Absher platform and relevant diplomatic missions, to ensure adherence to regulations and support the Kingdom’s goals of economic diversification and workforce stability.