Saudi Arabia deports over 12,000 migrants in Trump-style crackdown, majority are Africans

Saudi Arabia has deported more than 12,000 foreign nationals, mostly Africans, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal residents, amid what observers describe as a Trump-style immigration enforcement wave. The operation targeted violations of residency, labour, and border security laws across the Kingdom.

According to Okaz newspaper, the campaign, conducted between October 30 and November 5, led to the arrest of 21,647 individuals. Of these, 12,838 were detained for residency violations, 4,564 for border security breaches, and 4,245 for labour-related offences.

Authorities reported that 54 percent of those detained were African migrants, primarily Ethiopians, with others from Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.

Among those attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, 1,943 individuals were intercepted, while 37 were prevented from leaving unlawfully. Currently, 32,801 individuals, including 31,207 men and 1,594 women, are undergoing legal proceedings ahead of deportation.

So far, 12,098 migrants have been deported, while 21,800 are awaiting travel documents from their embassies and 6,012 are finalising arrangements to leave the country.

Officials emphasised that anyone found harbouring, employing, or aiding illegal residents faces up to 15 years in prison, fines of SR1 million (approximately $266,000), and confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the offences.

Earlier this year, the Kingdom formally ended the kafala sponsorship system, introducing a contract-based employment structure designed to improve migrant workers’ rights and mobility. Despite these reforms, enforcement against undocumented migrants remains strict and widespread.

Reports indicate that many African migrants have faced inhumane treatment during the raids. Human rights organisations have consistently expressed concern over the conduct of these immigration operations and the conditions in detention centres, particularly for Africans, highlighting issues of overcrowding, abuse, and poor medical care.

Observers say this recent crackdown mirrors the strict immigration enforcement policies of US President Donald Trump, reflecting a broader global trend of hardline measures against undocumented migrants, especially Africans who continue to risk perilous journeys to the Gulf in search of employment opportunities.