Saudi Deports 8k Expats in 1 Week Over Visa and Job Breaches
The Kingdom intensifies nationwide crackdowns on residency and labor law violations, arresting over 10,700 individuals.
Saudi Arabia has deported nearly 8,000 undocumented expatriates in just one week. This action comes as Saudi authorities step up inspections across the Kingdom to enforce residency, labour, and border safety rules.
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According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, a total of 7,989 people were deported between June 4 and June 10. During this same week, authorities arrested more than 10,700 individuals for various violations.
Breakdown of the Arrests
The ministry shared the details of those detained during the nationwide campaign:
- 5,899 individuals for residency violations
- 3,084 individuals for border security offences
- 1,742 individuals for breaching labour laws
Additionally, 1,418 people were arrested while trying to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those stopped at the border, 55 per cent were Ethiopian nationals, 43 per cent were Yemeni, and 2 per cent were of other nationalities. Another 34 people were caught trying to leave the country unlawfully.
Deportation and Legal Procedures
Saudi authorities are currently helping 14,268 individuals contact their diplomatic missions to get travel documents. Another 1,240 people are completing their final travel arrangements to be deported.
Right now, more than 22,000 expats are going through legal procedures related to immigration and labour violations in the Kingdom.
Strict Penalties for Violators
The ongoing crackdown is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to regulate its labour market and make sure everyone follows residency laws.
Authorities have warned that helping undocumented migrants is a serious crime. Anyone caught transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal workers could face:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Fines of up to SR1 million ($266,000)
- Confiscation of the vehicles and properties used to help them
During the latest inspections, 18 people were arrested for helping violators.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.