Over 12,000 Violators Deported in a Week in Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities deported more than 12,000 illegal residents in a single week as part of intensified nationwide joint security campaigns targeting violators of residency, labour, and border security regulations across all regions of the Kingdom.

In the enforcement period from 3 to 9 September 2026, around 12,057 violators were deported out of 14,796 people arrested. The figures form part of a sustained wave of weekly operations in 2026, in which arrests have typically ranged from about 14,000 to more than 19,000 individuals, and deportations from roughly 10,000 to nearly 15,000

Residency law violators consistently make up the largest group, at around 6,500 to 11,700 followed by border security violators at roughly 3,600 to 4,200, and labour law violators at about 2,800 to 3,500. Those with complete documents are deported directly, while large numbers are referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel papers before removal.

Officials have reiterated strict penalties for anyone facilitating illegal entry, transport, shelter, or employment of violators. These include imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines of up to SAR 1,000,000, confiscation of vehicles and properties used in the offense, and publication of the offender's details as a deterrent.

For the expat community, the campaigns are a clear reminder to keep residency and work documents valid and in order. Residents are encouraged to report residency, labour, and border violations through the reporting channel on 911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.

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