Saudi Arabian authorities have intensified nationwide enforcement of residency, labour, and border security regulations. According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, 14,796 individuals were arrested between September 3 and September 9, 2026, for various violations.
- 7,504 involved residency law breaches
- 3,783 related to border security
- 3,509 concerned labour law violations
Illegal Entry And Border Violations
The enforcement campaign also recorded 1,273 individuals apprehended for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, consisting of 55 percent Ethiopian nationals, 44 percent Yemeni nationals, and 1 percent from other nationalities. Additionally, 25 people were caught attempting to leave the country illegally. Authorities arrested 21 individuals suspected of providing transportation, shelter, or employment to violators.
The Ministry warned that those facilitating illegal entry, transport, or shelter face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SR 1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the crimes. Reports can be made via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.
During this period, 12,057 violators were deported. Currently, 30,257 expatriates—comprising 28,529 men and 1,728 women—are undergoing legal and enforcement procedures. This includes 18,677 individuals currently processing travel documents through their respective diplomatic missions and 3,487 people awaiting travel reservations.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development mandates that non-Saudi workers must hold a valid work permit and residency (iqama). Employers are required to issue work permits within the first 90 days of an expatriate's arrival.
Under Article 40 of the Labour Law, employers are responsible for recruitment, iqama, and work permit fees. Indian workers are advised to ensure their documents are current, avoid informal side work, and maintain evidence of employment contracts and salary records. Indian nationals facing labour disputes can contact the Embassy of India in Riyadh via landline at 00-966-11-4884697, the toll-free number 800 247 1234, or WhatsApp at 00-966-542126748. Written complaints can be emailed to labour.riyadh@mea.gov.in or registered through the MADAD portal. Workers in the Jeddah consular jurisdiction may contact the Consulate General of India for assistance with sponsor disputes or labour court processes.
