Riyadh authorities have detained over 17,000 individuals in just over a month as part of a nationwide crackdown on residency law violations. This campaign targets individuals who are violating residency, labour, and border security laws across the Kingdom.
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) confirmed that the detainees faced charges related to expired or invalid residency permits, unauthorised employment, and illegal border crossings. This crackdown forms a vital part of a Ministry of Interior initiative to enforce Saudi Arabia’s immigration and labour regulations strictly.
Violators face penalties that can include imprisonment, deportation, and substantial financial fines, depending on the nature of their offences. Saudi citizens and legal residents must refrain from assisting violators in any way, such as providing transportation, employment, or shelter. Authorities have warned that those caught aiding violators could face severe consequences, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SAR 1 million, and the confiscation of property or vehicles involved in the violation.
Read: Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Complete Guide and Application Process
The Ministry assures the public that reporting violations is confidential, and informants will not face legal consequences. Residents are encouraged to report offences using the following emergency hotlines: dial 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other areas.
The crackdown signifies Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to better regulate its labour market and enhance border security. In just one week in August, authorities identified 22,222 violations nationwide, including 13,551 residency breaches, 4,665 border violations, and 4,006 labour law infractions.
