MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia deported 10,827 people following a week of nationwide enforcement operations targeting violations of residency, labor and border regulations, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Authorities recorded 14,440 arrests during inspections conducted across the Kingdom from July 30 to Aug. 5, with residency violations accounting for the largest share of cases.
The figures come as Saudi authorities continue efforts to enforce immigration and employment regulations affecting expatriates and employers across the country.
Thousands arrested in nationwide operations
Of those detained, 7,090 were accused of violating residency regulations, while 3,932 were cited for border security violations and 3,418 for labor law violations.
The ministry also reported the arrest of 1,593 people who allegedly attempted to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Among them, 59% were Ethiopian nationals, 40% were Yemeni nationals and 1% were from other nationalities.
Another 32 people were detained for allegedly attempting to leave the Kingdom through unauthorized routes.
Deportation procedures underway
The enforcement campaign has also moved into the processing stage for thousands of people.
According to the ministry, 18,131 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain the travel documents needed for deportation. A further 6,357 people have been referred to authorities to complete arrangements for leaving the country.
The ministry said 32,012 expatriates — 29,995 men and 2,017 women — are currently going through legal procedures linked to violations.
Employers and facilitators face penalties
The crackdown also targeted people accused of helping residency violators remain in the Kingdom.
Authorities arrested 25 people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals who were in violation of Saudi regulations.
The Ministry of Interior warned that people who facilitate illegal entry or provide transportation, accommodation or employment to violators can face severe penalties. These include prison terms of up to 15 years, fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals and the confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offenses.
The warning is particularly relevant to employers and individuals who arrange work or accommodation for expatriates without ensuring their legal status.
What expatriates should know
For expatriates living or working in Saudi Arabia, the figures underscore the importance of maintaining valid residency and employment documentation and complying with the Kingdom’s immigration and labor requirements.
The latest campaign covered a broad range of violations, from residency and employment breaches to unauthorized border crossings, rather than targeting a single nationality or category of workers.
Saudi authorities have urged residents to report suspected violations through the designated emergency channels.
The enforcement campaign is part of the Kingdom’s continuing nationwide monitoring of residency, labor and border regulations, with further inspections and legal action expected as authorities process cases arising from the latest operations.
