Saudi Arabia deports nearly 12,000 illegal residents amid ongoing crackdown

Dubai: A total of 21,485 illegal residents were arrested across Saudi Arabia last week during joint field security campaigns conducted in coordination with various government agencies, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The arrests, made between January 9 and 15, included 13,562 violators of residency laws, 4,853 border security violators, and 3,070 labour law violators.

Among those detained, 1,568 individuals were caught attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, with 47 per cent identified as Yemeni nationals, 50 per cent as Ethiopian nationals, and 3 per cent from other nationalities. Additionally, 64 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the country illegally.

Some 16 individuals were apprehended for facilitating illegal activities, including transporting, sheltering, and employing violators. Meanwhile, 33,007 illegal residents — comprising 30,335 men and 2,672 women—are currently undergoing legal procedures as part of punitive measures.

The ministry reported that 25,164 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,864 have been processed for travel reservations, and 11,955 have been deported.

Authorities warned that anyone helping illegal entry or residency by providing transport, shelter, or assistance faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or property involved.

The public is urged to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions.