Mass deportations as Saudi Arabia enforces residency laws
Saudi Arabia has deported over 11,700 individuals following a week-long crackdown on residency, labour, and border security violations, the Ministry of Interior announced.
The campaign, conducted from October 17 to October 23, aimed to ensure compliance with the Kingdom's laws ahead of the 2025 Hajj season.
Authorities apprehended 20,896 violators during the operation.
Among them, 11,930 were found violating residency laws, 5,649 breached border security regulations, and 3,317 were involved in labour-related offences.
1,374 individuals were caught attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, many of them being Ethiopian nationals (55%) and Yemenis (43%).
The Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, including providing transportation or shelter, could face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SR1 million (approximately $266,000), and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offence.
"We are committed to enforcing our laws to maintain national security and protect our labour market," said a spokesperson from the Ministry.
