Over 19,500 people arrested in Saudi Arabia; likely to be deported soon

RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has arrested over 19,500 individuals, in a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, for violating residency, labor, and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior reported this week.

A total of 19,576 arrests were made in just one week. Of those detained, 12,506 individuals were found to be in violation of residency laws, 4,154 were arrested for breaching border security regulations, and 2,916 were apprehended for labor law violations.

The Ministry’s report highlighted a broad enforcement operation, with 12,365 of the arrested individuals deported from the country. Additionally, 21,803 people were sent to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, and 5,202 individuals were directed to relevant institutions to finalise their travel arrangements.

The Ministry also disclosed that a significant portion of arrests occurred at the kingdom’s borders. Of the 1,418 individuals attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, 41 per cent were from Yemen, 57 per cent from Ethiopia, and 2 per cent came from other nations. Meanwhile, 24 individuals were detained while attempting to leave the country unlawfully.

As of now, legal action is underway against a total of 30,427 foreign nationals. This enforcement effort underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to tightening border control and regulating the labor market as part of broader efforts to curb illegal migration and protect national security.

The latest figures are part of a larger trend in Saudi Arabia’s intensified focus on addressing illegal immigration and labor violations, with a particular emphasis on upholding the integrity of the kingdom’s visa and work permit systems.

Web Desk