COMMUNITY

Saudi Arabia arrests 17,880 illegal residents in week

Saudi security authorities have arrested 17,880 people residing illegally in the Kingdom over the past week, following a series of coordinated inspection campaigns, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

Operations and violations

The arrests were made during joint operations conducted between December 11 and December 17 by security forces in cooperation with relevant government agencies. According to Okaz newspaper, those detained included:

11,190 violators of residency regulations
3,801 in breach of border security laws
2,889 violating labour regulations
Follow-up actions and deportations
As part of follow-up procedures, over 20,000 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 5,080 were directed to complete travel arrangements. A total of 12,661 people have already been deported, the ministry said.
Border interceptions and demographics
The operations also intercepted 1,509 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally. Among those arrested, 44% were Yemeni nationals, 55% Ethiopian, and 1% of other nationalities. An additional 40 people were detained while trying to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
Facilitators of illegal residency
Authorities also arrested 15 individuals accused of aiding illegal residents by providing transportation, shelter, or employment. The ministry reported that 29,771 expatriates—including 28,198 men and 1,573 women—are currently undergoing legal procedures as part of enforcement measures.
Strict penalties warned
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone assisting illegal entry, transport, accommodation, or employment of violators faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines up to SR1 million. Vehicles used in such activities and properties providing shelter to violators may also be confiscated.

Story by Gulf News

COMMUNITY

Saudi Arabia allows six categories entry to Mecca via Absher

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has announced that six categories of eligible individuals can obtain permits to enter Mecca during the Hajj season through the Absher Individuals platform.

The categories include Premium Residency holders, investors, GCC citizens, non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens, non-Saudi family members and domestic workers. The service enables applicants to secure entry permits electronically through a simplified process.

The move comes as security authorities enforce strict regulations governing access to Mecca and the holy sites during Hajj. Since April 19, residents without permits have been barred from entering, with entry limited to those holding authorised work permits in Mecca, residency issued in the city, or official Hajj permits.

Saudi Public Security said entry permits for expatriate workers are issued electronically via Absher and the Muqeem portal, in integration with the unified Hajj permit platform, Tasreeh.

Authorities confirmed that applications are processed entirely online, with no requirement to visit passport offices in person.

COMMUNITY

Saudisation rates in marketing, sales raised to 60%

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun enforcing new decisions to raise Saudisation rates in marketing and sales professions to 60 per cent, following the end of a grace period for private sector firms.

The measures, effective from Sunday, April 19, form part of wider efforts to create more employment opportunities for Saudi men and women across the Kingdom.

The rules apply to private sector establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted roles, with a minimum monthly wage of SR5,500 required for Saudi employees to be counted within Saudisation quotas in marketing professions.

The rulw covers at least 20 roles, including marketing manager, advertising manager, graphic designer, public relations specialist and photographer, as well as sales positions such as sales manager, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and communications equipment sales specialists.

The ministry has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website, outlining the professions covered, implementation mechanisms and calculation methods, as well as penalties for non-compliance.

COMMUNITY

Work begins at Expo 2030 Riyadh site

Construction has begun at the Expo 2030 Riyadh site, Saudi authorities said, as the Kingdom updated the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on progress across the project during a meeting in Paris.

The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Commissioner General of Expo 20230 Riyadh, outlined developments in infrastructure, construction, design and master planning, alongside ongoing work on the Expo’s main theme and subthemes.

Officials said progress also extended to communication and marketing efforts, with a growing number of countries confirming their participation, reflecting increasing international confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to deliver the event.

The briefing, delivered to the Bureau International des Expositions executive committee, highlighted the Expo’s role as a global platform aimed at addressing major challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Saudi Arabia said work on the site is accelerating as preparations gather pace, with a focus on ensuring a lasting legacy beyond the event.