Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that more than 18,000 illegal immigrants were arrested across the Kingdom during nationwide inspection campaigns carried out over the past week.
According to a report issued by the ministry and carried by Saudi state media, law enforcement teams conducted operations in various regions and detained 11,442 individuals for violating residency (iqama) laws.
The report said 1,762 migrants were arrested for illegally entering the Kingdom in violation of border security regulations. Among them, 46% were Yemeni nationals, 53% Ethiopian, while 1% belonged to other nationalities.
Authorities also detained 2,827 individuals for violating labour laws. Their cases have been referred to the Ministry of Human Resources, where further investigation will be conducted before legal decisions are made.
The ministry added that 46 people were arrested while attempting to illegally leave the Kingdom. Meanwhile, 11 individuals were taken into custody for providing shelter and transportation to illegal residents, in violation of residency and housing laws.
Saudi authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing immigration, labour, and border security laws to maintain public order and national security.
