Saudi Arabia’s security forces have arrested more than 22,000 expatriates across the country for violating residency, labor, and border security laws, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Interior cited by UAE-based Gulf News.
The crackdown, conducted between July 31 and August 6, targeted violators nationwide. Among those arrested, 13,833 were found guilty of breaching residency laws, 4,624 for border security violations, and 3,615 for labor law infringements.
Additionally, 1,640 individuals were detained while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally.
The arrested expats primarily include Ethiopians (64%), Yemenis (35%), and nationals from other countries (1%).
Authorities also apprehended 48 individuals attempting to leave the country illegally, as well as 37 people involved in transporting or sheltering residency and labor law violators.
Currently, legal action is underway against 26,630 expatriates, including 20,601 men and 3,029 women.
Of those arrested, 16,162 have been sent to their respective diplomatic missions to arrange travel documents before deportation, while arrangements are being finalized to repatriate another 3,136 individuals. So far, 11,058 deportees have returned to their home countries.
Saudi law imposes up to 15 years imprisonment and fines of up to 10 million Saudi Riyals for those assisting illegal entry.
Saudi Arabia, home to approximately 34.8 million people, hosts millions of migrant workers from across the globe. Local media regularly report ongoing security operations targeting violators and illegal residents to maintain law and order.
