Saudi Arabia deports 12,866 illegal residents in nationwide crackdown
Thousands referred to diplomatic missions as deportations continue
DUBAI: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have deported 12,866 illegal residents over the past week, according to the Ministry of Interior.
The move comes amid intensified efforts to regulate residency, labour laws, and border security across the Kingdom.
The large-scale crackdown is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing campaign to ensure social and economic stability by enforcing national regulations.
Arrests and inspections
In coordinated inspection campaigns, security forces arrested 19,328 individuals for various violations. Among them, 11,245 were found violating Residency Law, 4,297 breached Border Security Law, and 3,786 contravened Labour Law. The apprehended individuals are currently undergoing legal proceedings as authorities enforce strict punitive measures.
Border crossing attempts
Meanwhile, 1,360 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally were apprehended. Of those, 54 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 44 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining two percent belonged to other nationalities. Authorities also arrested 22 people accused of facilitating violations by providing transport, shelter, or employment to illegal entrants.
Severe penalties
The ministry reiterated that aiding illegal entry or residence could result in up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles and properties used. Sponsors failing to report expatriates’ departures after visa expiry risk up to six months’ imprisonment and fines up to SR50,000. Citizens are urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other areas.