Saudi Arabia has carried out a large nationwide operation to enforce its residency, labor, and border laws. In just one week, from January 1 to January 7, 2026, authorities arrested nearly 19,000 people who were living or working in the Kingdom illegally. During the same period, more than 10,000 people were deported to their home countries.
This operation was led by the Ministry of Interior and involved several government agencies, including the General Directorate of Passports and regional security departments. The goal was to make sure that laws related to residency, employment, and border security are followed across the country. The campaign shows how serious the Kingdom is about regulating its labor market and maintaining national security.
Nationwide Enforcement Operation Explained
During the seven-day operation, Saudi security forces arrested a total of 18,836 individuals. These arrests were not random. Each case involved a clear violation of the law. The largest group, 11,710 people, was arrested for breaking the Residency Law. These individuals were staying in the country without valid permits or had overstayed their visas.
Another 4,239 people were detained for violating border security rules, which mostly involved illegal entry into Saudi Arabia through unofficial border routes. In addition, 2,887 individuals were arrested for labor-related offenses, including working without proper authorization or working for employers other than those listed in official records.
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The operation covered all regions of Saudi Arabia. It was carried out through inspections, patrols, and coordinated raids by the Ministry of Interior, regional police, and border security units. Authorities focused on areas where violations are more likely to occur, such as worksites, residential neighborhoods, and border zones.
At the same time, the government is handling a large number of cases through formal legal channels. Nearly 30,000 expatriates are currently under processing. This group includes more than 1,600 women. Each case is being reviewed carefully by government legal departments to decide whether the person qualifies for regularization or must be deported according to the law.
Deportations and Legal Processing in Detail
Alongside arrests, Saudi Arabia moved quickly to carry out deportations. During the same week, authorities deported 10,195 individuals to their home countries. This required careful planning and coordination with foreign embassies and airlines.
More than 20,900 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. In addition, around 5,200 people are in the final stages of booking their flights.
These steps are part of an effort to reduce pressure on detention centers and speed up legal procedures. The government has stated that every case is handled according to the law to ensure fairness and order.
Preventing illegal entry was another key focus of the operation. Security forces intercepted 1,741 people attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia through unofficial routes. Among those intercepted, most were from Ethiopia and Yemen. Approximately 1,045 were Ethiopian nationals, making up about 60 percent of the group. Around 679 were Yemeni nationals, accounting for 39 percent. The remaining 17 individuals, or about 1 percent, were from other countries.
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These border interceptions are included in the overall arrest figures. Authorities noted that people from various countries across Asia and Africa were involved in different types of violations during the week.
Strict Penalties and Public Warnings
The Ministry of Interior also took action against people who helped illegal residents. During the operation, 19 individuals were arrested for providing transportation, shelter, or employment to those violating residency or labor laws.
Authorities have clearly stated that helping illegal residents is a serious crime. Penalties for such actions are among the strictest in the region. They can include long prison sentences, heavy fines, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offense.
This week-long crackdown marks a strong start to 2026 for Saudi Arabia’s enforcement efforts. With tens of thousands arrested, deported, or undergoing legal processing, the operation highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enforcing residency, labor, and border security laws across the country.