Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 25,000 expatriates in a week-long security operation targeting violations of residency, labor, and border security laws, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced.The crackdown, carried out between September 11 and 17, involved coordinated efforts by multiple government agencies across the kingdom, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Key Details of the Operation include 12,958 individuals detained for residency law violations, 4,540 arrested for border security breaches, 4,140 apprehended for labor law infringements, 1,391 caught attempting illegal entry and 31 detained while attempting to leave the country unlawfully.

The detainees predominantly include 54% Yemeni nationals and 45% Ethiopians, with the remainder from other countries.

Currently, 32,149 expatriates face legal action, comprising 29,265 men and 2,884 women. Authorities are coordinating with diplomatic missions to process travel documents ahead of deportations. To date, 13,375 migrants have been repatriated.

Additionally, 19 residents have been arrested for allegedly facilitating illegal residency and labor violations by providing transportation or shelter.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has underscored its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration, warning that aiding undocumented migrants can result in penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching 1 million Saudi Riyals (approximately USD 266,000).