Saudi Arabia deports 7,934 people in one week over residency and labour violations

Saudi Arabia conducted a week-long crackdown between October 15 and 21, deporting 7,934 people and arresting over 13,900 others for breaching residency, labour, and border security regulations, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Inspections across the nation yielded 13,905 violations, encompassing residency (6,554), border security (3,865), and labour (3,486) offenses.

Authorities apprehended 1,881 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally and another 22 for unauthorized border exits. Twenty-one suspects were charged with aiding illegal entries, while 22 were detained for attempting to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully. Notably, 37,618 expatriates are currently navigating legal processes tied to immigration and labour infractions, comprising 35,449 males and 2,169 females.

Twenty-two hundred fifty-two individuals have been referred to their embassies for travel document acquisition, while another 6,555 are awaiting travel arrangements. Deportations comprised 7,934 expatriates, with nationalities undisclosed. The Ministry of Interior warned that aiding illegal entries, transporting violators within the country, providing shelter, or other forms of assistance could lead to up to 15 years imprisonment and fines reaching SR1 million.

Convicted offenders may also see their vehicles and shelter properties confiscated, with identities potentially made public. Residents are advised to report suspected violations via emergency numbers or local authorities in various regions.