Saudi Arabia arrests over 8,000 illegal residents, deports 7,466 in one week

Saudi Arabia arrests over 8,000 illegal residents, deports 7,466 in one week

Saudi Arabia arrested 8,090 people for residency, labour, and border violations between May 21–27, deporting 7,466 and referring over 14,000 to diplomatic missions for travel documents. The enforcement sweep signals continued tightening of Saudi labour compliance frameworks, with penalties up to 15 years' imprisonment for employers or landlords facilitating undocumented workers — a direct risk factor for regional workforce planning and contractor vetting.