Recently, the Nepali Embassy in Riyadh revealed that at least 84 Nepali workers have been arrested during a major crackdown on illegal laborers working unlawfully in Saudi Arabia. These individuals are currently held in various centers awaiting repatriation to Nepal, including 37 in the Eastern Province’s Dammam and Jubail areas and 47 in the Riyadh region, according to Nepali Labor Counselor Kabiraj Upreti. He explained, “Typically, the Saudi government frequently arrests workers engaged in illegal activities, such as those whose employers report them, those working outside their designated job roles, or those whose residency permits (Iqama) are invalid.”
Counselor Upreti further noted that obtaining an exit visa is essential for Nepalis wishing to return home from Saudi Arabia, but some have been arrested for failing to complete the required documentation. The Saudi Ministry of Interior reported that from June 4 to 10, over 10,000 undocumented migrant workers were apprehended nationwide with the involvement of security forces. Nearly 8,000 of those detained were deported during the same period, according to official data.
Saudi authorities have stated that most detainees were arrested for violations related to residency laws, border security, and labor regulations. Upreti highlighted that many Nepali workers have been repeatedly detained because they did not update their residency identification cards. Thousands of Nepali workers fall into this category, with the Saudi government regularly informing them about renewal procedures through public notices and SMS alerts.
“The Saudi government has instructed all workers, in both English and Arabic, via SMS to update their residency IDs by June 30. Failure to comply may result in being classified as illegal and subsequent deportation,” Upreti explained. Residency card renewals in Saudi Arabia can be processed for durations of three months, six months, or one year. This move comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and pursues its Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil and gas to improve living standards.
