Riyadh: According to the Ministry of Interior, a total of 14,621 people were deported from Saudi Arabia between January 8 and 14 following coordinated inspection operations carried out by security forces in cooperation with relevant government agencies. During the same period, 18,054 individuals were arrested for breaching residency, labour and border regulations.

The ministry said those detained included 11,343 residency law violators, 3,858 people involved in border security offences, and 2,853 individuals found to be violating labour laws. In addition to deportations, 19,835 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 3,936 were instructed to complete travel arrangements prior to departure.

Authorities arrested 1,491 people attempting to enter the kingdom unlawfully, with 40 per cent identified as Yemeni nationals, 59 per cent Ethiopian nationals, and one per cent from other nationalities. A further 18 individuals were detained while attempting to leave the country illegally.

The ministry added that 23 people were arrested for facilitating violations by providing transportation, shelter or employment to undocumented residents. Currently, 27,518 expats, including 25,552 men and 1,966 women, are undergoing legal procedures as part of ongoing enforcement actions.

Reiterating its warning, the Interior Ministry said anyone found assisting illegal entry, transport, housing or employment of violators could face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1 million, along with the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offences.