Saudi Arabia detains over 11,000, deports nearly 15,000 in week-long crackdown

Saudi Arabia has detained more than 11,000 people and deported nearly 15,000 in a nationwide crackdown targeting undocumented migrants, authorities said.

The operation, carried out between April 23 and 29, was led by the Ministry of Interior and involved coordinated efforts by security forces and other relevant agencies, according to a report by Gulf News.

Official data show that 6,244 of those arrested were accused of violating residency regulations. A further 3,543 individuals were detained for breaching border security laws, while 1,513 were held over violations of labor regulations.

Authorities also reported that 1,330 people were intercepted while attempting to enter the country illegally. Among them, 43 percent were Yemeni nationals and 54 percent were from Ethiopia.

Saudi officials said the campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws, regulate the labor market and maintain public security, adding that such operations will continue.