Saudi Arabia launches major crackdown on illegal immigration

RIYADH: Over the course of a single week, authorities in Saudi Arabia detained more than 20,000 people suspected of violations related to immigration and labour laws.

As per official sources, the crackdown saw around 14,000 people held for failing to comply with residency regulations. The mass arrests are part of a nationwide enforcement campaign.

Nearly 5,000 attempting to cross into the rich kingdom without proper documentations were also arrested. A further 3,500 were detained for breaching employment rules.

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The Saudi Ministry of Interior explained that providing aid to undocumented migrants – such as shelter or transport – was a criminal offence subject, with the aiders risking imprisonment, heavy fines and seizure of assets.

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Alongside immigration enforcement, officials in Saudi Arabia intensified investigations into corruption within government sectors. As per reports, over 500 civil servants were investigated on allegations connected to corruption.

Saudi Arabia has long maintained strict control over its foreign workforce and residency system as it seeks to balance economic growth with social stability.