RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has deported more than 12,600 expatriates following a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting violations of residency, labor and border security regulations, according to figures released by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior.
The ministry said joint inspection operations carried out between July 23 and July 29 led to the arrest of 14,154 people for offenses linked to residency, employment and border laws.
According to the official breakdown, 7,103 people were detained for violating residency regulations, 3,397 for labor-related offenses and 3,654 for breaches of border security rules.
During the same reporting period, authorities also intercepted 1,418 people attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, while 23 individuals were arrested while trying to leave the country through unauthorized means.
Officials further announced the arrest of 17 people accused of facilitating violations by transporting, employing or providing shelter to individuals residing in the Kingdom unlawfully.
The Ministry of Interior said 12,613 expatriates were deported after legal procedures were completed.
Meanwhile, 30,679 individuals remain subject to ongoing legal and administrative processes. Of those, 17,903 have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documentation, while 5,424 are completing arrangements before departure.
Saudi authorities said enforcement campaigns aimed at ensuring compliance with residency, labor and border regulations will continue across the Kingdom.
The ministry also reiterated that individuals found assisting immigration violators—including by transporting, harboring or employing them—face severe legal penalties. These may include prison sentences of up to 15 years, fines reaching SR1 million, confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offense, and public disclosure of offenders in accordance with applicable regulations.
Further information on residency regulations and enforcement measures is available through the Saudi Ministry of Interior: https://www.moi.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia has conducted regular nationwide inspection campaigns in recent years as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance with immigration, employment and border security laws. Authorities continue to encourage residents and employers to comply with legal requirements and monitor official government channels for updates.
