Saudi Arabia Conducts Massive Immigration Crackdown, Arresting Over 19,000 in One Week
In a sweeping enforcement operation, Saudi Arabian security authorities have arrested a staggering 19,101 illegal residents during a single week of coordinated inspection campaigns across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior made this significant announcement on Saturday, highlighting the scale of the nationwide crackdown on immigration violations.
Coordinated Operations Yield Substantial Results
The arrests occurred between February 12 and 18 through joint operations conducted by various security forces in collaboration with multiple government agencies. This intensive week-long effort targeted individuals violating several key laws governing residency and employment within the Kingdom.
The breakdown of those detained reveals:
- 12,153 violators of the Residency Law
- 4,103 violators of the Border Security Law
- 2,845 violators of the Labour Law
Immediate Actions and Ongoing Procedures
Authorities have already taken decisive action following the arrests, with 14,893 illegal residents deported from the country. Additionally, 15,585 violators have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain necessary travel documents, while another 1,389 individuals were directed to complete their travel reservations.
Currently, 21,491 expatriates are undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures, comprising 20,156 men and 1,335 women. This substantial number reflects the ongoing nature of immigration enforcement efforts across Saudi Arabia.
Border Security and Additional Arrests
The ministry's report also detailed border security achievements, noting that 1,663 individuals were apprehended while attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally. The nationality breakdown of these border violators shows:
- 45 percent were Yemeni nationals
- 54 percent were Ethiopian nationals
- 1 percent were of other nationalities
Furthermore, 31 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally, and 28 individuals accused of transporting, sheltering, or employing violators were detained during the operations.
Severe Penalties for Facilitators
The Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning regarding penalties for those who assist immigration violators. Anyone found facilitating illegal entry, providing transportation or shelter, or offering any form of assistance to violators may face:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Fines reaching SR1 million
- Confiscation of vehicles used for transportation
- Confiscation of properties used to provide shelter
Public Cooperation Encouraged
The ministry has urged citizens and residents to report any immigration violations through designated emergency numbers. In the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, violations can be reported by calling 911. For the rest of the Kingdom's regions, the public should contact 999 or 996 to report suspicious activities related to immigration law violations.
This comprehensive crackdown demonstrates Saudi Arabia's intensified efforts to regulate residency and employment within its borders, while sending a clear message about the serious consequences of violating immigration laws and assisting those who do so.
