Saudi Arabia arrests 337,281 illegal immigrants
What's the story
Saudi Arabia has arrested 337,281 expatriates, living illegally in the gulf nation without residence or work permit. The move, a part of a month-long nationwide campaign 'Nation Without Illegal Expats' to nab offenders of residency/labor regulations, began on November 15, 2017. Of the total immigrants arrested, 198,231 didn't have residence permits and 99,980 had invalid work permits, reported Gulf News. Read on for more.
Details
65,715 detainees already deported
According to Saudi Gazette, 65,715 detainees have already been sent to their native countries. Another 15,250 expatriates - 12,781 men, 2,469 women - are awaiting deportation at detention centers, and 47,474 have reportedly faced "immediate punishment". The nationalities of detainees and those deported are yet to ascertained. Notably, with a population of 3.2 million, Indians make for the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia.
Measures
Yemenis make for 77% of Saudi Arabia's illegal expat community
Saudi Arabia had announced a 90-day amnesty in March 2017 for illegal immigrants to either regularize their stay or leave the kingdom. It had warned that the offenders would be penalized with a hefty fine ranging between 15,000-100,000 riyals and would face deportation. According to a Gulf News report, Yemenis make for 77% of Saudi's illegal expat community. At 22%, Ethiopians follow next.