Over 10,000 illegal residents deported as Saudi Arabia intensifies crackdown

Dubai: Saudi authorities have arrested 19,418 illegal residents across the Kingdom in joint field security campaigns conducted between January 2 and January 8, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday.

Those arrested include 11,787 violators of the Residency Law, 4,380 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,251 violators of the Labour Law.

Among those detained were 1,221 individuals attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally, comprising 42 per cent Yemeni nationals, 56 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and 2 per cent from other nationalities. Additionally, 136 individuals were caught trying to leave the Kingdom without authorisation.

Authorities also arrested 19 people for transporting, sheltering, or employing violators. A total of 33,576 illegal residents, including 30,261 men and 3,315 women, are facing legal procedures.

The ministry reported that 23,991 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,869 were referred to finalize travel reservations, and 10,319 have been deported.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its warning that individuals facilitating illegal entry, providing shelter, or offering assistance to violators could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in these activities.

The public has been urged to report any violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.