Saudi Arabia Deports 7,989 Undocumented Expats in One Week

RIYADH, June 14: Saudi Arabia deported 10,725 undocumented expatriates in a single week as authorities intensified nationwide efforts to enforce residency, labour and border security regulations, according to figures released by the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry said 7,989 individuals were deported between June 4 and June 10 following extensive inspection campaigns conducted jointly by security agencies and government authorities across the Kingdom.

During the same period, authorities arrested 10,725 people for alleged violations of residency, labour and border laws. Those detained included 5,899 residency violators, 1,742 labour law offenders and 3,084 individuals accused of breaching border security regulations.

The crackdown also led to the arrest of 1,418 people attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. According to the ministry, Ethiopian nationals accounted for 55 percent of those intercepted, while Yemenis represented 43 percent. In addition, 34 individuals were detained while attempting to leave the country unlawfully.

Saudi authorities said 14,268 violators had been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents required for deportation, while another 1,240 individuals were completing travel arrangements ahead of their removal from the Kingdom.

The ministry also announced the arrest of 18 people accused of facilitating violations by transporting, sheltering or employing undocumented migrants.

Official figures showed that more than 22,000 expatriates are currently undergoing legal procedures related to immigration, labour and residency violations.

The ongoing campaign forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate the labour market, strengthen border security and ensure compliance with residency laws.

Authorities reiterated that anyone found assisting undocumented migrants by providing transportation, accommodation or employment could face severe penalties, including prison terms of up to 15 years, fines of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the commission of such offences.