Saudi authorities have launched a significant nationwide operation targeting violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations, resulting in the apprehension of 19,101 individuals during a single week of intensified enforcement actions from February 12-18, 2026.
The comprehensive crackdown, coordinated through joint security campaigns, revealed distinct categories of violations: 12,153 individuals were detained for residency regulation breaches, 2,845 for labor law violations, and 4,103 for border security infractions. Additionally, security forces intercepted 1,663 persons attempting illegal border entry into the Kingdom.
Demographic analysis of those apprehended indicates Yemeni nationals constituted 54% of the total, followed by Ethiopian citizens at 45%, with various other nationalities comprising the remaining 1%. The operation also identified 31 individuals attempting to exit the Kingdom through unauthorized channels.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior emphasized that enforcement extends beyond direct violators to include those facilitating illegal activities. Authorities detained 28 persons implicated in transporting, harboring, employing, or concealing individuals violating residency, labor, and border security protocols.
Significant enforcement measures have been implemented, including the deportation of 14,893 violators, while 1,389 individuals were directed to finalize their travel arrangements. Furthermore, 15,585 persons were instructed to obtain proper travel documentation.
Saudi legislation imposes severe penalties for border security violations, including potential 15-year imprisonment terms and fines reaching one million Saudi riyals for those facilitating illegal entry, transportation, shelter, or assistance to violators. The government also mandates confiscation of vehicles and properties used to shelter unauthorized individuals.
The Ministry characterized these violations as “major crimes warranting arrest and representing breaches of honor and trust,” while encouraging public reporting through designated emergency numbers (911 in major regions, 999 and 996 elsewhere) with guaranteed confidentiality and protection for informants.