Mass Crackdown in Saudi Arabia: Over 22,000 Migrant Workers Detained

Darwin, 27 Octobor—

Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 22,000 expatriates for violating residency, labor, and border security regulations, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Interior, as reported by the UAE-based English daily Gulf News.

The ministry said that between October 16 and October 22, law enforcement authorities across the kingdom detained 22,613 foreign nationals as part of a nationwide security campaign targeting violators of Saudi laws.

Of those detained, 13,652 were arrested for violating residency laws, 4,394 for breaching border security regulations, and 4,567 for labor law violations. Multiple Saudi security agencies and government bodies jointly carried out the operations.

Currently, legal procedures are underway against 31,374 expatriates — including 29,814 men and 1,560 women. Among those arrested, 23,021 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents prior to deportation.

Additionally, deportation procedures have been finalized for 3,939 others, while 14,039 expatriates have already been repatriated to their home countries.

Meanwhile, 35 individuals were detained for attempting to leave the country illegally, and 23 residents were arrested for providing transportation or shelter to violators of residency and labor regulations.

The statement also noted that 1,699 people were apprehended while trying to cross into Saudi Arabia illegally — 54% Ethiopian, 45% Yemeni, and 1% from other nationalities.

Under Saudi law, assisting illegal entry into the country carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million Saudi riyals. The Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned residents and citizens against aiding or employing individuals who are in violation of the law.

Saudi Arabia, home to about 34.8 million people, hosts millions of migrant workers from around the world. Local media frequently report ongoing nationwide campaigns targeting illegal residents and labor law violators.