Saudi Arabia deports over 12,800 illegal residents in a week

Dubai: Saudi authorities have deported 12,866 illegal residents in a week, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing, wide-ranging efforts to regulate residency, labour, and border security.

The large-scale campaign reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enforcing its laws, safeguarding its borders, and maintaining social and economic stability, as authorities intensify inspections and crackdowns on violations across the country.

The Ministry of Interior announced that 12,866 violators were deported over the past week, while 23,419 others were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 3,864 were referred to complete their travel arrangements.

In the same last week alone, security forces arrested 19,328 illegal residents during joint inspection campaigns carried out in cooperation with relevant government agencies, the ministry confirmed.

Among those arrested were 11,245 violators of the Residency Law, 4,297 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,786 violators of the Labor Law. The apprehended individuals are currently undergoing various stages of legal proceedings as part of punitive measures being taken against them.

 Additionally, authorities reported the arrest of 1,360 individuals attempting to illegally cross the border into the Kingdom.

Of these, 44 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 54 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining two per cent belonged to other nationalities. Twenty-two individuals accused of facilitating violations—by providing transportation, shelter, or employment — were also arrested.

The ministry reiterated its strong warning that anyone found aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom — whether by transportation, providing shelter, or offering any form of assistance — faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles and properties used in such activities.

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

The ministry issued a stern warning, stating that sponsors who fail to report the departure of expatriate workers under their sponsorship after the expiry of their entry visas will face penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to SR50,000.