In a sweeping operation against illegal immigration and law violations, Saudi Arabia's security forces arrested nearly 20,000 individuals last week, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The coordinated raids, conducted between December 5 and December 11, targeted violators of residency, labor, and border security laws, as well as those aiding illegal immigrants.
Key Figures from the Crackdown
The campaign, carried out in collaboration with various government agencies, resulted in:
- 11,358 arrests for violating the Residency Law.
- 4,994 arrests for breaching Border Security Law.
- 3,479 arrests for violating the Labor Law.
- 1,303 individuals caught attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, including:
- 38% Yemeni nationals.
- 60% Ethiopian nationals.
- 2% from other countries.
- 173 individuals detained while trying to leave Saudi Arabia illegally.
Additionally, 25 people were arrested for aiding violators, including transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal residents.
Legal Procedures and Deportations
Currently, 27,540 expatriates (24,810 men and 2,730 women) are undergoing legal procedures, including deportation and repatriation.
- 19,258 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions for travel document processing.
- 9,893 individuals have already been deported.
Penalties for Facilitators
The Ministry of Interior has issued a strong warning to those facilitating illegal immigration, emphasizing the severe consequences:
- Up to 15 years in prison.
- Fines reaching SR1 million.
- Confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offenses.
Public Participation
Authorities have urged citizens and residents to report violations. Dedicated hotlines—911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999/996 for other regions—have been set up to facilitate this.
Commitment to Law Enforcement
This crackdown reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to maintaining national security and enforcing immigration laws. The Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, warning violators and their accomplices of stringent legal action.
