Saudi Arabia Deports Over 8,000 Ahead of Hajj in Crackdown on Illegal Residents
The operation, conducted between April 3 and April 9, resulted in the arrest of 18,669 individuals across the Kingdom, local media reported.
Authorities reported that those detained were in violation of residency, labor, and border regulations. The arrests come as the Kingdom prepares to host millions of pilgrims for Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which this year is expected to begin on June 4, 2025, corresponding to the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
The ministry confirmed that 11,813 people were apprehended for violating residency laws, 4,366 for breaches of border security regulations, and 2,490 for labor law infractions.
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Among those arrested, 1,497 were caught attempting to cross into Saudi territory illegally. Of these, 69 percent were Ethiopian nationals, 27 percent were Yemeni, and the remaining four percent were from other countries. Additionally, 59 individuals were stopped while attempting to leave Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
The Ministry of Interior issued a public warning that anyone found assisting violators may face serious penalties.
These include up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to 1 million Saudi Riyals (approximately USD 266,000), and the confiscation of any vehicles or property used in the offense.
Source: Agencies
