Saudi Arabia deports over 8,700 illegal residents in week-long crackdown
More than 21,000 arrested for violating residency, labour, and border laws
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has deported 8,733 illegal residents over the past week as part of a nationwide campaign against immigration violations, the Ministry of Interior announced.
Between January 30 and February 5, joint field operations led to the arrest of 21,477 individuals for breaches of residency, labour, and border laws.
The detainees included 13,638 residency violators, 4,663 border security violators, and 3,176 labour law offenders.
Border breaches and illegal departures
Authorities intercepted 1,316 individuals attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia, with 40 percent identified as Yemenis and 58 percent as Ethiopians.
Another 77 individuals were caught trying to exit the country illegally.
Facilitators and legal actions
Officials also arrested 13 people for harbouring, employing, or aiding illegal migrants. Meanwhile, 28,661 violators have been referred to their respective embassies for travel documentation, while 2,919 are finalising departure procedures.
Strict penalties in place
Currently, 37,120 individuals – 33,547 men and 3,573 women – are undergoing legal proceedings. Saudi law imposes prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines reaching SR1 million (Dh973,000) for those assisting illegal migrants.
Vehicles and properties linked to violations face confiscation.