S. Arabia Deports Nearly 12,000 Illegals as Crackdown Nets Over 21,000 Violators

Saudi security authorities have deported 11,849 illegal residents in one week, following a series of joint inspection campaigns across the Kingdom, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.

The coordinated operations, conducted between October 2 and 8 by security forces in cooperation with relevant government agencies, resulted in the arrest of 21,403 violators. These included 12,439 violators of the Residency Law, 4,650 violators of the Border Security Law, and 4,314 violators of the Labour Law.

A total of 23,824 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 2,764 were referred to complete their travel arrangements, and 11,849 were deported.

Authorities also intercepted 1,874 individuals attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 45 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 54 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, and one per cent were from other countries. Additionally, 36 people were arrested while trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.

Security forces also detained 29 individuals accused of facilitating violations by providing transportation, shelter, or employment to offenders. Currently, 31,344 expatriates -- including 29,840 men and 1,504 women -- are undergoing procedures to enforce relevant regulations.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that anyone found aiding illegal entry, providing transport, accommodation, or any form of assistance to violators faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million. Vehicles and properties used in such activities will also be confiscated.

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

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