Saudi Arabia arrests 21,000 for residency and work violations

It is clear that Saudi Arabia is taking a tough stance on labour compliance, creating new risks for expatriates and employers who must now be extra careful with documentation and workforce policies. How? The Kingdom has carried out a major crackdown on residency and labour violations, arresting more than 21,000 people in just one week. The raids took place at construction sites, housing areas, and transport hubs. Officials warned that not only undocumented workers but also citizens and companies who shelter them will face legal action.

Does that mean Indian workers, who form the second-largest foreign community in Saudi Arabia, are especially at risk? Appears so because Indian missions have advised nationals to always keep digital copies of their residency permits (Iqama) and job contracts. For those planning to travel or work in Saudi Arabia, services such as VisaHQ can help with applications by checking documents, tracking progress, and reducing errors that may lead to fines or detention.
Labour officials in Riyadh have set up a hotline to support detainees, but they stressed that help may be limited for those who entered on visit visas and then took up informal jobs.

The arrests also raise concerns for multinational employers. Saudi law allows authorities to fine prime contractors if their subcontractors hire workers without proper sponsorship transfers. As a result, HR teams are tightening rules, requiring vendors to show compliance certificates before contracts are signed.

Travel-risk experts reportedly say random checks have increased on roads between industrial areas and labour camps. They recommend moving staff during daylight and carrying Arabic-language copies of assignment letters to avoid being stopped.