Saudi authorities arrested 7,760 people for violating residency, labor and border regulations during a week-long nationwide enforcement operation, according to the interior ministry.The inspections were carried out jointly with multiple government agencies between May 28 and June 3 and targeted individuals accused of breaching immigration and employment laws across the Kingdom.Official figures showed 4,060 people were detained for residency-related violations and a further 2,574 people were charged with border security breaches. Another 1,126 people were arrested for violating labor laws.Security forces also intercepted 1,184 people trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. The interior ministry said Ethiopians accounted for 70% of those detained at the border, followed by Yemenis at 28% and the remaining 2% were from other nationalities.Authorities also arrested 25 people suspected of trying to leave the country illegally.As part of ongoing enforcement measures, Saudi officials deported 4,690 people during the reporting period. A further 14,495 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while a further 850 violators were directed to complete travel arrangements before departure.The ministry said legal proceedings are currently underway against 21,774 foreigners, including 20,455 men and 1,319 women.Investigators also detained 16 people accused of providing transportation, accommodation or employment to offenders.The Home Office reiterates that it is a criminal offense to facilitate the illegal entry, movement or asylum of undocumented individuals. Under Saudi law, offenders can face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offense.Authorities urged residents to report suspected violations to emergency hotlines across the country.
