The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint security field campaigns targeting violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations across the Kingdom during a single week, from 26 Jumada al-Thani to 2 Rajab 1447 AH (January 15-21, 2026). These intensive efforts resulted in the apprehension of 18,200 violators, reflecting the state's continued commitment to upholding the rule of law and regulating the labor market.

These campaigns are part of the comprehensive national campaign “A Nation Without Violators,” launched in 2017, which aims to regularize the status of undocumented workers and prosecute those involved in employing or harboring them. The campaign seeks to enhance national security, address the negative economic and social impacts of irregular employment, and ensure a fair and regulated work environment that protects the rights of both employers and legal migrant workers.

Details of the results of the field campaigns

Official statistics revealed detailed information about the violations that were detected, with a total of (18,200) violators, distributed as follows:

• Violators of the residency system: (11,442) violators, who are the largest segment of those who were apprehended.
• Violators of the border security system: (3,931) violators.
• Violators of the labor system: (2,827) violators.

Security operations also included close monitoring of illegal border crossings, resulting in the apprehension of 1,762 individuals attempting to infiltrate the Kingdom. Yemeni nationals constituted the majority (46%) and Ethiopian nationals (53%). Conversely, 46 individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave the country illegally. The crackdown extended beyond the violators themselves to include those assisting them, with 11 individuals arrested for their involvement in transportation, harboring, employment, and concealment.

Measures taken and strict penalties

A large number of undocumented migrants are currently undergoing legal procedures, with a total of 25,477 individuals being processed, including 23,443 men and 2,034 women. Immediate steps have been taken to address their situations, including referring 18,685 undocumented migrants to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while another 3,011 were referred to complete their travel arrangements. A total of 14,451 undocumented migrants have already been deported to their home countries.

In this context, the Ministry of Interior reiterated its strong warning to anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security regulations into the Kingdom, or provides them with shelter or any other form of assistance. It emphasized that these actions constitute serious crimes warranting arrest and are considered breaches of honor and integrity, with penalties reaching up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and residence used, and public shaming of the perpetrator. The Ministry urged citizens and residents to immediately report any violations via the designated numbers (911), (999), and (996) throughout the Kingdom.

Coinciding with the celebration of International Education Day on January 24th, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received widespread praise from the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, which highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal and pioneering role in supporting and developing the education sector both domestically and internationally. The Assembly affirmed that education is the cornerstone of achieving sustainable development and building prosperous knowledge-based societies, a fact recognized by the Saudi leadership and placed at the heart of its national strategies.

Historical context and Vision 2030: A strong boost for education

This focus is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of investment in human capital. Since its founding, the Kingdom has prioritized education, from literacy programs to the establishment of a vast network of prestigious schools and universities. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, this focus has gained unprecedented momentum, as educational development has become a cornerstone for diversifying the national economy and building a sustainable, knowledge-based, and innovative future. The Vision aims to prepare globally competitive generations by equipping them with 21st-century skills, promoting the values ​​of moderation and tolerance, and developing scientific research capabilities.

Local and regional impact: Quality initiatives and tangible results

Domestically, the Kingdom's impactful initiatives have contributed to a genuine transformation of the education system. These initiatives included developing curricula to meet the latest international standards, intensifying teacher training and development programs, and expanding digital transformation through advanced educational platforms such as the "My School" platform, which proved its effectiveness during global challenges. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening technical and vocational education to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's influence extends to supporting educational institutions in numerous countries. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is a prime example of this role, providing tens of thousands of Saudi and other students with the opportunity to study at the world's most prestigious universities, thus contributing to the transfer of knowledge and expertise and building bridges of cultural exchange. Furthermore, the Kingdom provides generous support to international organizations concerned with education, such as UNESCO, and contributes to funding educational projects in developing countries and communities affected by crises.

The role of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth

In a related context, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth indicated that it continues its mission of supporting education through its independent programs and initiatives targeting youth worldwide. These programs focus on capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and leadership development, contributing to the preparation of conscious and intellectually qualified generations capable of serving their communities and humanity as a whole.

The symposium concluded its statement by emphasizing that the International Day of Education is not just an occasion for celebration, but a call to renew the global commitment to making quality and inclusive education an inherent right available to all, as the most effective tool for achieving peace, inclusive development and consolidating the values ​​of understanding among peoples.

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its weather forecast, indicating a continued chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms across most regions of the Kingdom. The center warned that these storms could lead to flash floods and will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility.

Areas affected by the rainy weather

According to the center's report, the weather conditions will affect large parts of the Kingdom, most notably the Riyadh region, particularly its northern areas, as well as the regions of Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province. The report also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain in parts of the Makkah and Al-Baha regions. The center did not rule out the formation of dense fog during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions and the southwestern highlands, urging drivers to exercise caution.

The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the Kingdom

This wave of rain comes within the context of a typical seasonal pattern experienced by the Kingdom during transitional periods between seasons, known locally as rainy seasons such as "Al-Wasam" and "Al-Murabba'aniyah." These rains are of paramount importance given the desert nature of most of the Kingdom's land. They contribute directly to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and dams, which are vital water sources. They also play a pivotal role in revitalizing vegetation and natural pastures, which positively impacts the agricultural and livestock sectors, particularly in regions like Al-Qassim and Hail, renowned for their agricultural production.

Expected effects and calls for caution

Locally, this weather system is expected to affect traffic in major cities like Riyadh. Authorities such as the Civil Defense and the General Directorate of Traffic are urging citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and stay away from valleys, floodplains, and areas of water accumulation. These authorities emphasize the importance of following alerts and warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology and adhering to instructions to ensure everyone's safety. While heavy rainfall has significant benefits, it also carries risks that require public awareness and full preparedness from relevant agencies to deal with any emergencies that may arise from flash floods or strong winds.