Saudi Arabia has deported over 12,000 foreign nationals in a nationwide crackdown on illegal residency, labor, and border security violations. The operation, which took place between October 30 and November 5, resulted in the detention of 21,647 individuals, predominantly African migrants.
The Ministry of Interior stated that those who aid or shelter illegal residents face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offenses.
“Anyone discovered to be harbouring, hiring, or assisting undocumented immigrants faces severe penalties,” the Ministry warned.
The crackdown is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reform plan, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign labor and creating more job opportunities for Saudi nationals. The kingdom has also abolished the kafala sponsorship system, introducing a contract-based employment structure to improve migrant workers’ rights and mobility.
The affected nationals include Ethiopians, Nigerians, Sudanese, Egyptians, Algerians, and Moroccans, with Ethiopians making up 54% of those detained. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of African migrants during the raids and detention conditions.