Saudi authorities arrest 21,134 illegals in one week

Foreign workers gather outside Saudi immigration department as they try to get visas and legalise their work situation, on November 3, 2013 in Riyadh. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 29 November 2025
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Saudi authorities arrest 21,134 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 21,134 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 13,128 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,826 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,180 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,667 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 57 percent were Ethiopian, 42 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 31 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 14 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Prince Sattam University to showcase innovative solutions, emerging technologies at World Defense Show

Updated 07 February 2026
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Prince Sattam University to showcase innovative solutions, emerging technologies at World Defense Show

  • The university’s participation is expected to enhance integration between scientific research and defense industries

RIYADH: Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University is to take part in the World Defense Show, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, which takes place from Feb. 8-12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The university’s participation in this international event marks a strategic step aimed at strengthening the role of Saudi academic institutions in the national research and development ecosystem.

The university is capable of achieving that by highlighting its applied research outputs and emerging technologies in the fields of defense and security in a way that enhances the efficiency of national industries and provides innovative, actionable solutions to address security and technological challenges.

The university will showcase at its exhibition pavilion a range of distinguished innovations developed within its premises, including artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, advanced control and monitoring systems, and intelligent surveillance systems.

The achievements reflect the university’s commitment to leveraging scientific research to serve vital national sectors, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in developing national human capabilities and supporting the transition to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven national economy.

The university’s participation is expected to enhance integration between scientific research and defense industries, open new channels of collaboration with global and local institutions and companies, attract attention to the applied research produced by the university, and encourage researchers and students to engage in major national projects.