Saudi authorities deported 12,365 illegal residents in a single week as part of intensified nationwide inspections, the Ministry of Interior has announced.
According to the ministry, a total of 19,576 individuals were arrested during joint security operations conducted between December 4 and December 10, in collaboration with relevant government agencies. The crackdown targeted violations of residency, border security and labor regulations.
Official figures show that those arrested included 12,506 residency law violators, 4,154 individuals in breach of border security laws, and 2,916 offenders of labor regulations. While 12,365 violators were deported, another 21,803 were referred to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents. An additional 5,202 individuals were processed to finalize travel arrangements.
The ministry revealed that 1,418 people were apprehended while attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom. Of these, 57 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 41 percent Yemeni nationals, and two percent from other countries. Authorities also arrested 24 individuals attempting to exit the Kingdom unlawfully.
In addition, 16 suspects were detained for allegedly facilitating illegal activities by providing transportation, shelter or employment to violators. At present, 30,427 expatriates comprising 28,718 men and 1,709 women are undergoing legal procedures ahead of enforcement actions.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its warning against aiding illegal residents, stressing that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, transportation, accommodation or employment faces penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to SR1 million. Properties and vehicles used in such offenses are also subject to confiscation.
Members of the public were urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
(Saudi Gazatte)