Saudi Arabia deports over 10,800 illegal residents in week-long crackdown
Nearly 40,000 violators face legal action or deportation procedures
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has deported 10,822 illegal residents in the past week as part of a large-scale crackdown on residency and labour law violations, the Ministry of Interior announced over the weekend.
Between February 6 and 12, Saudi authorities conducted nationwide security operations in coordination with multiple government agencies, leading to the arrest of 22,663 individuals. The detainees included 13,799 violators of the Residency Law, 5,594 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,270 individuals who breached labour regulations.
In addition, security forces intercepted 2,133 people attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 36 percent were Yemeni nationals, 63 percent Ethiopian, while the remaining one per cent belonged to other nationalities. Another 184 individuals were caught trying to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
Authorities also cracked down on those aiding illegal residents, arresting 14 people for transporting, employing, or sheltering violators. Officials reiterated that strict penalties await anyone found guilty of facilitating illegal residency. Under Saudi law, offenders face up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching SR 1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in such activities.
Currently, 38,777 individuals, including 4,069 women, are undergoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, 29,510 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 3,678 are in the final stages of deportation.
Saudi authorities continue to enforce stringent measures, urging residents and businesses to comply with the Kingdom’s residency and labour laws.