Over 20,000 Expats Arrested in Saudi Arabia

April 20, 2025 • International
Over 20,000 Expats Arrested in Saudi Arabia
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International Desk

Saudi authorities have arrested 20,688 illegal expatriates over the past week, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday, April 19.

The arrests were made for various legal violations, including 12,372 for residency law violations, 4,750 for breaching border security laws, and 3,566 for violating labor laws.

Additionally, 1,264 individuals were detained for illegally entering Saudi Arabia. Among them, 61% were Ethiopian, 36% Yemeni, and 3% from other nationalities.

The report also mentioned the arrest of 93 individuals attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally and 27 others for violating transport laws.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned of severe penalties for anyone aiding, sheltering, or transporting illegal entrants. Offenders may face up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines of up to 1 million Saudi Riyals, and confiscation of their properties and vehicles.

Citizens in the Makkah and Riyadh regions have been urged to report legal violations by calling 911, while those in other regions can contact 999 or 996.

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