Saudi Arabia Deports 7,989 Undocumented Expats in One Week

Saudi Arabia expelled nearly 8,000 undocumented expatriates in a single week, signaling a significant intensification of nationwide efforts to enforce residency, labor, and border security laws. The Ministry of Interior released figures indicating that 7,989 individuals were deported between June 4 and June 10 following extensive inspection campaigns across the Kingdom.

During this crackdown, authorities apprehended 10,725 people for alleged violations. These detentions included 5,899 residency violators, 1,742 labor law offenders, and 3,084 individuals accused of breaching border security. Additionally, 1,418 people were arrested for attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally.

Analysis of the intercepted individuals revealed that Ethiopian nationals accounted for 55 percent of those caught attempting illegal entry, while Yemenis represented 43 percent. The campaign also led to the arrest of 34 individuals attempting to leave the country unlawfully and 18 people accused of facilitating these violations by providing transportation, shelter, or employment.

Currently, over 22,000 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures related to immigration, labor, and residency violations. The ongoing campaign is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to regulate its labor market, strengthen border security, and ensure compliance with existing laws. Authorities have warned that facilitators of undocumented migration face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and asset confiscation.