Saudi Arabia has intensified its crackdown on illegal residents, arresting over 18,000 individuals during a week-long nationwide campaign. The Ministry of Interior announced the results of joint security inspections conducted between January 8th and 14th, signaling a continued commitment to enforcing residency, border security, and labor laws. This action reflects ongoing efforts to regulate the Kingdom’s workforce and maintain national security.
The sweeping operation, carried out in collaboration with various government agencies, resulted in the apprehension of 18,054 individuals across the country. According to the Ministry of Interior, this included those violating residency regulations, border security protocols, and labor laws. The arrests underscore Saudi Arabia’s strict stance on unauthorized foreign workers and border crossings.
Saudi Arabia Intensifies Enforcement Against Illegal Residents
The Ministry of Interior detailed the breakdown of the arrests, revealing 11,343 individuals were found to be in violation of the Residency Law. A further 3,858 were accused of breaching the Border Security Law, while 2,853 were found to be in contravention of the Labor Law. These figures highlight the diverse nature of the violations being addressed by the authorities.
Deportation and Repatriation Efforts
Following the arrests, the Ministry of Interior initiated procedures for the deportation of 14,621 illegal residents. Additionally, 19,835 individuals were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to facilitate the acquisition of necessary travel documents. A further 3,936 were directed to finalize their travel arrangements, according to the official statement.
The report indicates a significant number of those attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally were from Yemen and Ethiopia. Specifically, 40 percent of those apprehended at the border were Yemeni nationals, while 59 percent were Ethiopian. The remaining one percent comprised individuals from other nationalities. Meanwhile, 18 people were arrested attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
Combating Facilitation of Illegal Activity
Saudi authorities are not only targeting those in violation of the law but also those who assist them. Twenty-three individuals were arrested for providing transportation, shelter, or employment to illegal workers. This demonstrates a broader strategy to disrupt the networks that enable unauthorized residency and employment.
The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning regarding the penalties for aiding and abetting illegal activity. Anyone found to be facilitating the illegal entry, transport, shelter, or employment of individuals within the Kingdom faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million. Furthermore, vehicles used for transportation and properties used for shelter are subject to confiscation.
The crackdown on foreign workers is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification plan, Vision 2030, which aims to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals. This initiative, however, has also led to increased scrutiny of the Kingdom’s labor market and stricter enforcement of immigration laws. The Ministry of Labor has been actively working to Saudize various sectors of the economy.
The Ministry of Interior encourages public cooperation in identifying and reporting violations. Citizens and residents are urged to report any suspected illegal activity by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or by contacting 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. This public reporting mechanism is intended to bolster enforcement efforts.
Currently, 27,518 expatriates – comprising 25,552 men and 1,966 women – are undergoing legal processing. The Ministry of Interior has not specified the timeframe for these proceedings, but it is expected that deportation orders will be issued following the completion of the necessary legal steps. The ongoing operation is a continuation of similar campaigns conducted in previous years.
Looking ahead, Saudi authorities are expected to maintain a firm stance on enforcing immigration and labor regulations. The effectiveness of the current campaign and the long-term impact on the Kingdom’s labor market remain to be seen. Observers will be watching for any adjustments to the enforcement strategy and the potential for further crackdowns on illegal immigration in the coming months.
