Riyadh, Dec 01 (V7N) — Saudi authorities have launched a large-scale nationwide crackdown on residency, border security, and labor law violations, detaining more than 21,000 foreign nationals over the past week. The operation, conducted between November 20 and 26, involved coordinated efforts by multiple government agencies, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Officials said that 21,134 migrants were arrested during the campaign. Of them, 13,128 individuals were detained for violating residency laws, 4,826 for breaching border security regulations, and 3,180 for labor-related offenses. The ministry added that enforcement operations have been intensified across all regions of the country.

According to the report, 22,071 detainees have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents before deportation. An additional 5,078 are currently undergoing travel procedures, while 11,674 individuals were deported from Saudi Arabia during the same week.

Gulf News reported that security forces also detained 1,667 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally through its border regions. Among them, 57 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 42 percent were Yemenis, and the remaining 1 percent came from other countries. Authorities also arrested 31 individuals who were attempting to leave the kingdom illegally.

The ministry confirmed that another 14 people were arrested for assisting law violators by providing transportation, shelter, or employment. Legal action is underway against 31,091 foreign nationals currently held in detention facilities, including 29,538 men and 1,553 women.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm stance on violations of residency and labor regulations. The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone found providing shelter, transport, or any form of assistance to offenders could face up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties involved in the violations.

Authorities emphasized that ongoing enforcement campaigns aim to strengthen national security, regulate the labor market, and prevent unauthorized entry into the kingdom.

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