Saudi Arabia deports nearly 8,000 illegal residents in one week
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Official statement
Outcome reported
- Saudi security forces arrested over 10,700 illegal residents in a week-long crackdown, deporting nearly 8,000 individuals- The operation targeted violators of residency, border security, and labor laws, with a focus on Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals attempting to enter the country.
Saudi security forces apprehended more than 10,700 individuals suspected of being illegal residents during a nationwide crackdown. The Ministry of Interior announced that nearly 8,000 people were deported between June 4 and June 10.
Those who were arrested include 5,899 violators of the Residency Law, 3,084 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,742 violators of the Labor Law.
The operation, a joint effort involving various government agencies, focused on enforcing residency, border security, and labor laws. Among those arrested were 5,899 violators of residency laws, 3,084 of border security laws, and 1,742 of labor laws.
A total of 7,989 illegal residents were deported while 14,268 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 1240 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations.
Authorities also reported arresting 1,418 individuals attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, with Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals constituting the majority. Additionally, 34 people were caught trying to leave the country unlawfully. The ministry also detained 18 individuals for aiding illegal residents by providing transportation, shelter, or employment.
The total number of people who were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom accounted for 1,418, of whom 43 percent were Yemeni nationals, 55 percent Ethiopian nationals, and two percent belonged to other nationalities.
Currently, over 22,000 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures. The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning against facilitating illegal entry, transportation, shelter, or any assistance to violators, stating penalties could include up to 15 years in prison and a SR1 million fine. Vehicles and properties used in these activities are subject to confiscation. The public is urged to report violations by calling designated emergency numbers.
Some 18 people involved in giving transportation, shelter, and employment for violators were also arrested.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Saudi Gazette in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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