Saudi Arabia launched a major crackdown in the first week of 2026, arresting 18,836 people for breaking residency, border security, and labor laws. Between January 1 and January 7, security forces targeted violators in a nationwide operation coordinated by the Ministry of Interior and government agencies. Of those arrested, 11,710 violated residency laws, 4,239 breached border rules, and 2,887 committed labor offenses. The government is now processing around 30,000 expatriates, including over 1,600 women, through legal channels to decide on regularisation or deportation. During this week alone, Saudi authorities deported 10,195 people to their home countries. The operation involved sending 20,900 violators to their embassies for travel documents, while another 5,200 are finalizing flights. These steps help reduce detention center pressure and enforce residency laws. Security forces also intercepted 1,741 people trying to cross borders illegally. Arrests included individuals from many Asian and African nations. The Ministry of Interior warned the public that helping illegal residents is a serious crime. They arrested 19 people for providing transport, shelter, or jobs to violators. The ministry said facilitators face harsh penalties: up to 15 years in jail, fines up to SR1 million ($267,000), and asset seizures of vehicles or properties used to help. To support ongoing enforcement, the Ministry urged citizens to report suspicious activities through hotlines 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province, or 999/996 elsewhere. This crackdown marks Saudi Arabia’s strong move to enforce immigration, labor, and border laws, showing the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding legal compliance in 2026.