Saudi Arabia’s security forces have arrested more than 22,000 expatriates over the past week on charges including illegal residence, border violations, and labor law infringements. The joint operations by various security agencies took place from July 31 to August 6.
Among those detained, 13,833 were found violating residency laws, 4,624 breached border security regulations, and 3,615 were charged with labor law violations. Additionally, 1,640 individuals were apprehended while attempting to enter the country illegally. Of these, 35 percent were Yemeni nationals, 64 percent Ethiopian, and 1 percent from other countries.
Security forces also arrested 48 people attempting to leave Saudi Arabia illegally, along with 37 others accused of aiding in transportation, shelter, or recruitment.
Currently, there are 23,630 detainees in custody, comprising 20,601 men and 3,029 women. The Ministry of Interior reported that 16,162 individuals have been sent to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 3,136 are awaiting travel bookings, and 11,058 have already been deported.
Under Saudi law, illegal entry, transportation, or sheltering can result in up to 15 years imprisonment, fines reaching 1 million Saudi riyals, seizure of assets used in the crime, and strict penalties to protect public safety.