Saudi Arabia deported 13,724 illegal residents during a weeklong enforcement campaign, as authorities stepped up action against residency, border security and labor law violations across the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Interior said security forces detained 14,260 violators between August 13 and 19 during joint inspections conducted with relevant government authorities.
Key Figures From the Weeklong Campaign
Of the 14,260 people detained, 6,900 violated the Residency Law, while 3,982 breached the Border Security Law. Another 3,378 people were detained for labor law violations.
Authorities also referred 18,808 offenders to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. A further 5,386 people were directed to complete their travel arrangements.
As a result, 13,724 people were deported from Saudi Arabia during the reporting period.
Illegal Entry Attempts Lead to More Arrests
Saudi authorities also detained 1,524 people while they were attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally.
Ethiopian nationals represented 63% of those arrested, followed by Yemeni nationals at 36%. People from other nationalities accounted for the remaining 1%.
Authorities also caught 38 people attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Meanwhile, 24 individuals were arrested for helping violators by providing transportation, accommodation or employment.
Thousands of Expatriates Remain Under Legal Action
The Ministry of Interior said 31,922 expatriates are currently undergoing legal enforcement procedures.
The figure includes 29,961 men and 1,961 women.
Authorities are continuing to process the cases according to Saudi Arabia’s residency, border security and labor regulations.
Strict Penalties for Those Assisting Violators
Saudi authorities have warned against helping people who enter or remain in the Kingdom illegally.
Anyone who facilitates illegal entry, provides transportation or shelter, or offers other assistance to violators can face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million.
Vehicles and properties used to assist immigration violators may also be confiscated.
Authorities Urge Public to Report Violations
The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to report suspected immigration violations.
People in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province can call 911 to report violations. In other parts of the Kingdom, reports can be made through 999 or 996.
The latest figures underline Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to enforce its residency, border security and labor laws.
