Saudi Arabia deports 13,724 illegal residents in a week

RIYADH:  Saudi security officials detained 14,260 illegal immigrants in a single week. The Ministry of Interior disclosed on Saturday that the arrests were made during joint inspections conducted by security forces in cooperation with relevant government authorities between August 13 and 19.

The arrests included 6,900 violators of the Residency Law, 3,982 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,378 violators of the Labor Law.

During this period, 18,808 offenders were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 5,386 were directed to complete their travel bookings, and 13,724 unlawful residents were deported.

Additionally, 1,524 individuals were apprehended while attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally—63% of whom were Ethiopian nationals, 36% Yemeni, and 1% of other nationalities. Meanwhile, 38 persons were caught attempting to cross out of the Kingdom illegally, and 24 individuals were detained for providing violators with transportation, housing, or employment.

Currently, 31,922 expatriates—29,961 men and 1,961 women—are undergoing legal enforcement proceedings.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone aiding illegal entry into the Kingdom, facilitating transport, or providing shelter and other services faces up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR 1 million. Vehicles and properties used to assist violators are also subject to confiscation.

The ministry urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.