Saudi Arabian authorities have deported more than 13,000 illegal residents within one week as part of intensified nationwide enforcement of residency, labour and border security laws.
The Ministry of Interior disclosed that between December 18 and December 24, security agencies conducted coordinated inspection campaigns across the Kingdom, leading to the arrest of 18,877 individuals for various violations.
A breakdown of the arrests shows that 11,991 people were apprehended for breaching residency regulations, 3,808 for border security violations, while 3,078 were detained for labour law infractions.
Nationalities involved
Among those arrested while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, Ethiopian nationals accounted for 55 per cent, Yemeni nationals made up 44 per cent, while one per cent were from other nationalities.
The ministry confirmed that 13,241 illegal residents were deported during the reporting period, while others are still undergoing administrative and legal procedures.
In addition, 20,378 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 4,465 individuals were sent to complete departure arrangements ahead of deportation.
Border and facilitation offences
Security forces also arrested 1,312 people for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally and 46 individuals for trying to exit the country through unlawful routes. Furthermore, 14 suspects were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or employing illegal residents.
The ministry revealed that 28,937 expatriates, comprising 27,259 men and 1,678 women, are currently undergoing legal processing as enforcement actions continue.
Warning to offenders
Saudi authorities reiterated that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, transportation, accommodation or employment of violators faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years imprisonment, fines of up to SR1 million, and possible confiscation of vehicles and properties used in committing the offences.
The Ministry of Interior urged residents to comply strictly with the Kingdom’s laws and to report violations through designated security channels, stressing that the ongoing campaign reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining border security and regulating the labour market.
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