Saudi Arabia deports 9589 expatriates

Saudi Arabia has deported 9,589 expatriates to their home countries, while authorities detected 11,587 violations of residency, labour and border security laws during the same period.

Gulf News reported the development on Sunday, citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), which quoted the Ministry of Interior.

Of those deported, 6,043 were found guilty of violating residency laws, 3,191 of breaching border security regulations and 2,353 of violating labour laws.

According to SPA, border authorities arrested 1,678 people for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally and another 18 for trying to leave the country unlawfully.

In addition, 29 people were arrested for transporting, sheltering or employing individuals who had violated the country's laws.

Currently, a total of 41,106 expatriates, including 38,813 men and 2,293 women, are undergoing legal procedures in Saudi Arabia.

Among those detained, 23,193 have been instructed to contact their respective embassies or consulates to obtain the necessary travel documents.

Another 9,139 have been advised to leave the country promptly, while 9,589 have already been deported.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone found assisting people in entering the country illegally, transporting or sheltering lawbreakers, or providing them with other forms of assistance could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million.

Authorities may also confiscate vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them.

-MT