Saudi Arabia Deports Over 13,000 Illegal Residents in One Week

Saudi Arabian authorities have deported more than 13,000 undocumented residents within a single week as part of intensified nationwide enforcement of residency, labour, and border security regulations.

The Ministry of Interior disclosed that between December 18 and December 24, coordinated inspection operations were carried out across various regions of the Kingdom, resulting in the arrest of 18,877 individuals for different categories of violations.

According to the ministry, 11,991 persons were apprehended for violating residency laws, 3,808 were arrested for breaching border security regulations, while 3,078 individuals were detained for labour-related offences.
Nationalities Involved
Among those arrested while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, Ethiopian nationals accounted for 55 per cent of the total, while Yemeni nationals made up 44 per cent. The remaining one per cent comprised individuals from other nationalities.
The ministry confirmed that 13,241 illegal residents were deported during the reporting period, while others remain under administrative and legal processing.
Additionally, 20,378 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documentation, while 4,465 individuals were transferred to complete departure arrangements ahead of deportation.
Border and Facilitation Offences
Security agencies also arrested 1,312 individuals for attempting to enter the Kingdom through illegal routes and 46 others for attempting to exit unlawfully. Furthermore, 14 suspects were detained for allegedly transporting, harbouring, or employing undocumented residents.
The Ministry of Interior revealed that a total of 28,937 expatriates—comprising 27,259 men and 1,678 women—are currently undergoing various stages of legal procedures as enforcement operations continue nationwide.
Warning to Offenders
Saudi authorities reiterated that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, transportation, accommodation, or employment of undocumented residents would face severe penalties. These include prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines of up to SR1 million, and the possible confiscation of vehicles or properties used in committing the offences.
The Ministry of Interior urged all residents to strictly comply with the Kingdom’s laws and regulations and to report any violations through designated security channels. It emphasized that the ongoing enforcement campaign underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening border security and regulating the labour market.
Source: Gulf News