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Nearly 12,000 expatriates arrested in Saudi Arabia in a week
Published : Sunday, 15 November, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Observer Online Report
Saudi authorities have arrested 11,952 expatriates across the country in a week for violating residency, labour and border security laws, according to a statement from the Saudi Interior Ministry, Gulf News reported on Sunday.
The arrests were made during nationwide security operations conducted between November 5 and 11.
According to the ministry, 6,163 people were arrested for violating residency laws, 3,225 for breaching border security regulations and 2,564 for violating labour laws. Security forces and various government agencies jointly conducted the operations.
During the same period, 1,658 people were arrested while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, while another 29 were detained for trying to leave the country illegally. Additionally, 16 Saudi residents were arrested for transporting and sheltering people who violated residency and labour regulations.
The ministry's statement also said 1,418 people were arrested while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Among them, Ethiopians accounted for 57 per cent, Yemenis 41 per cent and nationals of other countries two per cent.
Meanwhile, another 24 expatriates were arrested for attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally. Fifteen residents were also detained for transporting and providing shelter to people violating residency and labour regulations.
The ministry said legal proceedings were underway against 40,762 expatriates in the country, including 38,383 men and 2,319 women.
Of those arrested, 22,451 expatriates were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain the travel documents required for repatriation.
During the same period, 11,418 people were deported to their home countries, while another 9,800 were referred to complete other travel-related procedures.
The Interior Ministry warned that anyone assisting people in entering Saudi Arabia illegally, transporting law violators within the country, providing them with accommodation or offering any other form of assistance or service would face strict penalties.
Those found involved in such offences could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals. Vehicles used to transport law violators and properties used to shelter them could also be confiscated.
- MaT
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
