Saudi Arabia is currently processing 23,312 expatriates for regulatory violations following a week-long inspection campaign that recorded over 21,000 breaches of residency, labour and border security laws.

Ministry of Interior confirmed that among those undergoing regulatory procedures, 22,040 are men and 1 thousand 272 are women. Processing follows intensive inspections conducted between February 5-11 across Kingdom.

Authorities have already detained 16 thousand 121 individuals for violating regulations. These expatriates have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents before departure. Another 2 thousand 270 violators have been advised to make immediate travel arrangements.

Ministry confirmed that 13 thousand 213 expatriates have already been repatriated to their home countries. Remaining individuals await completion of documentation and deportation procedures.

Campaign recorded 21 thousand 029 total violations, including 12 thousand 875 residency-related breaches, 4,778 border security violations and 3 thousand 376 labour law infractions. Border authorities apprehended 2,307 people attempting illegal entry, with 52% being Ethiopians and 47% Yemenis.

Ministry also arrested 29 individuals involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators. Officials warned that facilitating illegal entry or providing assistance to undocumented workers carries severe penalties.

Penalties include up to 15 years imprisonment and fines reaching SAR 10 lakh (nearly TK 3 crore 30 lakh). Authorities may also confiscate vehicles used for transporting violators and properties used for sheltering them.

“Such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest”, Ministry of Interior stated. Public was urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 elsewhere in Kingdom.

Crackdown directly impacts Bangladesh, which has approximately 35 lakh workers in Saudi Arabia. Kingdom remains one of largest sources of remittance for Bangladesh's economy, with workers sending home billions annually.

Ministry emphasized ongoing commitment to enforce immigration and labour regulations strictly. Inspection campaigns will continue throughout Kingdom to identify and process violators.

Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)