Saudi Arabia deports 10,000 illegal residents in week-long crackdown

Saudi Arabia arrested 18,836 illegal residents and deported more than 10,000 people during the first week of January, as authorities intensified inspections across the Kingdom to curb violations of residency, labour and border laws.

The arrests took place between January 1 and 7 through joint operations involving security forces and government agencies, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.

Residency violations top arrest figures

Of those detained, 11,710 were found to have violated the Residency Law, while 4,239 breached Border Security regulations and 2,887 were in violation of the Labour Law, according to the ministry.

The ministry said 10,195 individuals have already been deported. A further 20,956 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 5,201 people were transferred to complete travel arrangements ahead of their removal from the Kingdom.

Authorities also arrested 1,741 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Among them, 39 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 60 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and one per cent were from other countries. An additional 46 individuals were detained while trying to leave the country unlawfully.

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Action taken against facilitators

The enforcement campaign extended to those aiding violations, with 19 people arrested for providing transport, shelter or employment to illegal residents.

According to the Ministry of Interior, 29,823 expatriates, including 28,220 men and 1,603 women, are currently undergoing legal procedures as part of the drive. The ministry reiterated that anyone assisting illegal entry, transport, shelter or employment faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million, along with the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offence.