Saudi Arabia deported 7,466 illegal residents within a single week as authorities intensified nationwide inspections targeting violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations.
According to the Ministry of Interior, joint inspection campaigns conducted between May 21 and May 27, 2026, resulted in the arrest of 8,090 individuals found to be in violation of the Kingdom’s laws.
Of those arrested, 4,266 were violating residency regulations, 2,653 were found in breach of border security laws, and 1,171 were violating labor laws.
The ministry said that, in addition to the deportations, 14,484 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 572 individuals were referred to complete travel arrangements before being repatriated.
Authorities also reported continued efforts to combat illegal border crossings. During the reporting period, 1,176 people were arrested while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of those, 68 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 25 percent were Yemeni nationals, and the remaining 7 percent belonged to other nationalities. A further 71 individuals were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.
Security forces also detained 13 people accused of facilitating violations by providing transportation, shelter, or employment to illegal residents.
The ministry noted that 21,685 expatriates including 20,512 men and 1,173 women are currently undergoing legal procedures related to residency, labor, and border security violations.
Reiterating its warning against aiding illegal migration, the Ministry of Interior stressed that anyone who facilitates the unlawful entry, transportation, sheltering, or employment of violators could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offense.
Saudi authorities continue to conduct regular inspection campaigns across the Kingdom as part of efforts to enforce residency and labor regulations and strengthen border security.
