Saudi Arabia has arrested 18,200 people in a week-long nationwide operation targeting violations of residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior announced.
The campaign ran from January 15 to January 21 and covered all regions of the Kingdom.
Of those detained, 11,442 breached residency regulations, 3,931 violated border security laws, and 2,827 faced labor-related offences.
Authorities also focused on irregular border crossings, arresting 1,762 people attempting to enter the country illegally.
Nearly half were Yemeni nationals, 53 percent Ethiopian, and the rest from other countries. Another 46 individuals were caught trying to exit Saudi Arabia through unofficial routes.
Security forces also apprehended 11 people accused of aiding violations by transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal residents.
Currently, 25,477 expatriates are undergoing legal proceedings for residency, labor, or border offences, including 23,443 men and 2,034 women.
As part of the enforcement process, 18,685 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions for travel documents, 3,011 have completed travel bookings, and 14,451 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone assisting illegal entry, transport, or employment of violators could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, confiscation of vehicles or property, and public disclosure of the crime.
Authorities classified these violations as major crimes against integrity and public trust.
