Saudi Arabia deports 11,656 illegal residents in a week

Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 20,000 Illegal Residents in One Week

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s security authorities arrested 20,237 illegal residents during a nationwide inspection campaign carried out over the past week, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The joint inspections, conducted in coordination with relevant government agencies, took place between January 29 and February 4, targeting violations of residency, border security and labor regulations across the Kingdom.

Officials said those arrested included 12,687 violators of the Residency Law, 4,318 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,232 violators of the Labor Law.

As part of enforcement measures, 11,656 individuals were deported, while 16,805 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents. An additional 2,437 people were referred to complete travel arrangements prior to departure.

Border Violations and Smuggling Arrests

The ministry reported that 1,555 people were arrested while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Of those, 40 percent were Yemeni nationals, 57 percent Ethiopian nationals, and three percent belonged to other nationalities.

Authorities also arrested 61 individuals attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally during the same period.

In addition, 32 people were detained for providing transportation, shelter or employment to violators, offenses that fall under anti-smuggling and facilitation laws.

Ongoing Legal إجراءات

The Interior Ministry said 23,807 expatriates — including 21,926 men and 1,881 women — are currently undergoing legal procedures to enforce penalties in accordance with Saudi regulations.

The ministry reiterated that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, transportation, housing or assistance to violators faces up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in such activities.

Public Urged to Report Violations

Authorities urged residents to report violations through emergency numbers 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.

The ministry emphasized that the campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security, regulate the labor market and enforce immigration laws throughout Saudi Arabia.