According to Saudi Gazette, the arrests were made during joint inspections carried out by security forces and government agencies between September 24 and 30, citing the Ministry of Interior.
Of those detained, 5,793 were accused of violating residency laws, 3,307 breached border security rules and 2,719 violated labour regulations.
Authorities also referred 19,893 people to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while another 4,091 were sent to complete travel arrangements.
Ethiopians and Yemenis dominate border arrests
Saudi authorities arrested 1,382 people trying to enter the country illegally, with Ethiopians accounting for 61%, Yemenis 38% and other nationalities 1%.
Another 32 people were arrested while attempting to leave the kingdom illegally.
The figures continue a pattern seen throughout 2026, including the week ending August 26 when Saudi Arabia deported 14,905 people and Ethiopians accounted for 58% of 1,450 illegal border arrests.
That earlier operation formed part of a wider enforcement drive that has led to thousands of arrests and deportations this year.
Crackdown continues as Saudi economy expands
Saudi Arabia’s importance to African migrant workers makes the latest enforcement figures especially relevant to the continent.
With nominal GDP projected at about $1.39 trillion in 2026, the kingdom is the Middle East’s second-largest economy, a major oil producer, a key OPEC member and one of the region’s biggest employers of foreign labour from Africa and Asia.
As Riyadh pushes ahead with Vision 2030 to reduce its dependence on oil, demand for workers remains strong across construction, hospitality, logistics and other sectors, even as authorities tighten residency and employment rules.
The Ministry of Interior said 19 people were also arrested for transporting, sheltering or employing violators.
Overall, 32,139 expatriates, including 29,934 men and 2,205 women, were undergoing legal procedures linked to residency, labour and border violations.
Saudi authorities have warned that anyone who helps people enter the kingdom illegally, transports them or provides shelter could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million (about $266,925), and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offence.
