Saudi Arabia deports more than 12,000 expats over residency and labour violations

Saudi Arabia conducted a nationwide security campaign from September 17 to September 23, leading to the deportation of 12,628 illegal residents. The arrests were part of a crackdown on residency, border, and labour law violations, resulting in the detention of 13,628 individuals. The majority of those arrested were Ethiopian nationals (63%), followed by Yemeni nationals (36%).

Of the deported, 6,593 were for residency violations, 3,531 for border security breaches, and 3,504 for labour law infractions. Additionally, 27 people were arrested for attempting to leave the country illegally. Beyond the deportations, 18,549 violators were sent to their diplomatic missions for travel documents, and 3,815 were referred for travel arrangements.

Twenty-two individuals were arrested for aiding in illegal entry, transportation, sheltering, or employing violators, with potential penalties including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. The Interior Ministry encouraged the public to report violations by calling designated numbers in various regions.