Saudi Arabia deported more than 12,600 expatriates within a single week as authorities intensified a nationwide campaign against violations of residency, labour, and border security regulations.

According to the Ministry of Interior, 12,613 expatriates were deported following coordinated inspection campaigns conducted across the Kingdom between July 23 and July 29.

During the same period, security authorities arrested 14,154 violators, including 7,103 individuals for breaching residency regulations, 3,397 for labour law violations, and 3,654 for border security offences.

Officials also reported that 1,418 people were apprehended while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, while another 23 individuals were arrested for attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.

In addition, authorities arrested 17 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing people in violation of the country's residency and labour regulations.

The Ministry stated that 30,679 individuals are currently undergoing legal procedures. Among them, 17,903 have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 5,424 are completing travel arrangements prior to deportation.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its warning that anyone found facilitating the illegal entry, transportation, employment, or concealment of violators could face severe penalties. These include up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines of up to SR1 million (approximately $266,600), confiscation of vehicles and property used in the offence, and public disclosure of offenders' names.