By Staff Reporter
More than 31,000 expatriates are undergoing legal procedures over residency, border and labour violations
Saudi Arabia has deported 12,628 expatriates in one week following a nationwide security campaign targeting violations of residency, border and labour regulations.
The crackdown, conducted jointly by security authorities and other government agencies between September 17 and 23, resulted in the arrest of 13,628 people, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Of those arrested, 6,593 were accused of violating residency laws, 3,531 of breaching border security regulations and 3,504 of labour law violations.
Authorities also detained 1,197 people while they were allegedly attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally. Ethiopian nationals accounted for 63 per cent of those detained, Yemenis 36 per cent and other nationalities 1 per cent.
Another 27 people were arrested while allegedly attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
The ministry said 18,549 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while another 3,815 were referred to complete travel arrangements.
Authorities also arrested 22 people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals in violation of Saudi regulations.
Meanwhile, 31,398 expatriates — including 29,018 men and 2,380 women — remain under procedures to enforce legal measures related to their violations.
The Interior Ministry warned that anyone who assists people in entering Saudi Arabia illegally, transports them within the country, provides shelter or offers other forms of assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million.
Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them may also be confiscated.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 or 996 in other regions.
