19/01/2026
Share:
19/01/2026
Share:
RIYADH, Jan 19: Saudi authorities deported more than 14,600 individuals last week as part of an escalating nationwide crackdown on residency, labour, and border violations, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The operation, spanning 8–14 January, underscores the kingdom’s increasingly stringent measures to enforce immigration and labour laws.
The ministry said that during this period, 14,621 illegal residents were removed from the country following coordinated inspection operations involving security forces and relevant government agencies. In addition, 18,054 individuals were arrested for breaches of residency, labour, and border regulations.
Among those detained, 11,343 were found to have violated residency laws, 3,858 were apprehended for border security offences, and 2,853 faced charges related to labour law violations. Beyond deportations, authorities referred 19,835 individuals to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,936 were directed to complete arrangements for their departure.
The enforcement drive also targeted illegal border crossings, with 1,491 people arrested while attempting to enter the kingdom unlawfully. According to official data, 40% of these were Yemeni nationals, 59% Ethiopian, and the remainder from other countries. A further 18 individuals were detained while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Authorities also took action against those facilitating violations. Twenty-three people were arrested for providing transport, shelter, or employment to undocumented residents. At the same time, 27,518 expatriates, including 25,552 men and 1,966 women, remain under legal scrutiny as part of ongoing enforcement campaigns.
The Interior Ministry reiterated that anyone caught aiding illegal entry, transport, housing, or employment faces severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines reaching SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in offences.
In its statement, the ministry encouraged the public to report violations, urging residents to call 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other areas.
The operation reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to regulate its expatriate population and secure its borders amid concerns over illegal migration and labour infractions. Observers note that the kingdom has increasingly relied on mass inspections and deportations to maintain control over residency and employment regulations, with authorities highlighting the central role of public reporting in identifying violations.
