Saudi Arabia deports 10,431 residents in one week, arrests nearly 14,000 over violations

In a recent week-long security crackdown, Saudi Arabia deported 10,431 residents and arrested nearly 14,000 people for various immigration, residency, labour and border security violations, the Ministry of Interior announced. The arrests took place across the country between October 1 and 7, with security authorities apprehending 13,889 individuals during joint inspection campaigns with relevant government agencies.

The majority of those arrested were accused of violating residency regulations (6,785 people), followed by border security laws (3,710 people) and labour law violations (3,394 people). Additionally, 1,382 individuals were apprehended while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, with 66% of them being Ethiopian nationals, 33% Yemenis, and the remaining 1% belonging to other nationalities.

Up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million await those found guilty of helping illegal entrants, including penalties for transporting, accommodating, or employing individuals who violate the Kingdom's residency, labour and border security regulations. The Ministry of Interior stressed that reporting suspected violations through the emergency number 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province is crucial to preventing further breaches.