Saudi Arabia arrests 15,000 illegal residents, deports over 11,000 in one week

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s security forces have arrested nearly 15,000 individuals suspected of residing or working illegally within the kingdom during a weeklong nationwide enforcement campaign, the Ministry of Interior announced Saturday.

Between May 8 and May 14, Saudi police apprehended 14,987 violators, including 9,212 residency law offenders, 3,502 border security law violators, and 1,873 labour law breakers, across several regions.

Of those detained, 11,763 individuals have already been deported, while 17,567 were directed to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. Another 1,349 have been referred to complete travel arrangements.

The crackdown also targeted border crossing attempts, with 1,268 individuals arrested while trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally.

Nationals from Yemen and Ethiopia represented the majority of this group, accounting for 35 per cent and 62 per cent respectively, with the remainder coming from other countries.

In a related sweep, authorities arrested 23 individuals suspected of facilitating illegal migration by providing transportation, shelter, or employment to unauthorized residents.

Currently, more than 23,000 illegal residents, 22,263 men and 1,055 women, are undergoing various stages of legal proceedings as part of the government’s enforcement measures.

The Ministry of Interior warned against anyone helping illegal entry or residence, stating that violators may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching one million Saudi riyals. Vehicles and properties used in connection with such activities are subject to confiscation.

To bolster community cooperation, the ministry encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities through designated hotlines: 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 elsewhere across the kingdom.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE