Saudi authorities have arrested more than 17,000 expatriates for violating residency, labor, and border security laws. The arrests were made between February 20 and 26 as part of a nationwide security operation, according to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, reported by Gulf News.
The joint operation, conducted by various security forces and government agencies, resulted in the arrest of 17,389 expatriates. Of those, 10,397 were detained for violating residency laws, 4,128 for border security violations, and 2,864 for labor law infringements.
Additionally, 1,483 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally cross the border into Saudi Arabia, with most of them being Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals. The statement noted that 41% of the arrested were Yemeni, 56% Ethiopian, and 3% from other countries.
During the same period, authorities also arrested 15 individuals for providing transportation and shelter to law violators. Legal actions are currently underway against 40,350 expatriates, including 35,845 men and 4,505 women.
Saudi authorities have already sent 31,463 detainees to their respective countries’ diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents for repatriation. Additionally, 3,709 individuals have been given final instructions to leave Saudi Arabia. So far, 10,363 expatriates have been deported.
Saudi Arabia enforces strict penalties for those aiding illegal entry into the country, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of 1 million Saudi Riyals. The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly issued warnings regarding such violations.
The kingdom, home to approximately 34.8 million people, employs millions of expatriate workers. Local media regularly report on ongoing crackdowns and arrests of illegal residents.
L