Saudi Arabia deports 9,992 illegal residents in a week

Saudi authorities arrested 11,819 illegal residents during a week-long crackdown, according to the Ministry of Interior. The arrests, conducted in collaboration with relevant government agencies, took place between September 24 and 30. Among those detained were 5,793 residents violating the Residency Law, 3,307 breaching the Border Security Law, and 2,719 infringing upon the Labor Law.

A total of 9,992 illegal residents were deported, while the remaining violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, and 4,091 were directed to finalize their travel reservations. Border crossings into the Kingdom accounted for 1,382 arrests, with 38% of these being Yemeni nationals, 61% Ethiopian nationals, and 1% from other nationalities.

Additionally, 32 individuals were apprehended for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally, and 19 people involved in providing transportation, shelter, or employment for these violators were also arrested. The Ministry of Interior currently has 32,139 expatriates undergoing legal measures for their respective violations, with 29,934 being men and 2,205 women.

The ministry has warned that anyone assisting illegal entry, transporting, providing shelter, or offering any assistance to violators will face penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Vehicles used for transportation or residences used for shelter will be confiscated. The public is urged to report any violations by contacting the appropriate hotline numbers based on their region.