Saudi security forces have conducted a large-scale crackdown on illegal residents, arresting 19,831 individuals across the Kingdom in a week-long campaign, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday.
Details of the Crackdown
The joint operations, carried out from December 5 to December 11, targeted individuals violating Saudi laws. The arrests included:
- 11,358 individuals for violating the Residency Law.
- 4,994 for breaching the Border Security Law.
- 3,479 for violating the Labour Law.
These efforts were executed in collaboration with various government agencies to ensure compliance with Saudi laws.
Illegal Entry and Exit Attempts
Authorities also arrested 1,303 individuals attempting to illegally enter Saudi Arabia, with the breakdown of nationalities as follows:
- 60% Ethiopian nationals.
- 38% Yemeni nationals.
- 2% from other countries.
Additionally, 173 individuals were apprehended while trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Crackdown on Facilitators
As part of the campaign, 25 individuals were arrested for aiding and abetting violators by transporting, sheltering, or employing them. The Ministry of Interior has warned that facilitators of illegal immigration could face severe penalties, including:
- Up to 15 years in prison.
- A fine of up to SR1 million.
- Confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offenses.
Legal Procedures and Deportation
Currently, 27,540 expatriates, including 24,810 men and 2,730 women, are undergoing legal procedures for deportation and repatriation. Among them:
- 19,258 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions for travel document processing.
- 9,893 individuals have already been deported.
