Saudi Arabia has deported 12,292 foreign nationals for violating residency, labor, and border security laws, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry cited by Gulf News on Sunday. The deportations are part of intensified nationwide operations aimed at curbing illegal stay and border-related offenses.

The ministry further reported that 16,912 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, while 4,174 others are completing ticketing and reservation procedures before deportation. Authorities warned that aiding illegal border crossers—through transport, shelter, or any form of assistance—is a serious crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to one million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offense.

Between June 25 and July 1, joint security operations detained 15,591 people, including 7,759 for residency violations, 4,488 for border security breaches, and 3,344 for labor law offenses.