The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively reshaping its demographic and security landscape as part of its broader Vision 2030 reforms. According to Data Saudi, the country’s current total population is 35.3 million, with 19.6 million Saudi nationals and 15.7 million non-Saudis. They found that controlling illegal migration is vital to this transition because it is not just a labour issue but also a significant threat to national security and social stability. To address this issue more effectively, Riyadh has evolved beyond traditional deportation and adopted a more comprehensive approach that incorporates biometric surveillance, border security enhancements, and diplomatic initiatives. These measures address its porous southern border with Yemen, the urban labour market, and the sacred spaces of religious pilgrimage.
Firstly, Riyadh’s 1,800-km border with Yemen presents a complex migration challenge. Yemen’s internal situation is dire, caused by a lengthy civil war and economic collapse that have damaged the country's essential infrastructure. Each year, thousands of illegal migrants try to cross into Saudi Arabia and are labelled as ‘infiltrators’ by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Over time, the porous borders have been exploited by third-country nationals to enter Saudi territory. According to the IOM’s Annual Migration Report 2025, 110,144 migrants entered Yemen by the end of 2025, mainly Ethiopians (97%) and a small number of Somalians (3%), all aiming to reach Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia acknowledged the situation, increased border security, and invested heavily in constructing physical and electronic fences, along with thermal imaging and motion sensors. Between 2024 and 2025, the Kingdom detained thousands of individuals weekly. Saudi Arabia views these unregulated and illegal migrations from Yemen as a major threat to its national security, because they could serve as channels for Houthi insurgents or weapon smuggling. Under the Border Security Law, violators face strict penalties and are often detained in specialised centres for quick repatriation.
Secondly, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of foreign workers whose legal status is linked to the traditional Kafala (sponsorship) system. When these workers abandon their jobs or seek higher wages in the free market, they are considered Makhalif (violators). Some of these workers stay in the country long after their visas expire, raising serious concerns.
Nirmalshankar M
Riyadh is implementing a modern regulatory approach through the ‘A Nation Without Violators’ campaign. As part of this, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development regularly conducts on-site inspections to verify workers' biometric data at construction sites and industrial centres. Since late 2025, many companies have identified undocumented workers and penalised them, along with imposing a five-year recruitment ban. The government has digitised the residency process by launching the Absher and Qiwa platforms. This enables sponsors to renew permits; failure to do so within 24 hours of expiration will freeze the individual’s identity, cutting off access to banking, healthcare, and even mobile services.
Thirdly, the regulations address individuals who enter the Kingdom with Umrah or Hajj visas but overstay. While many of these pilgrims remain illegally, seeking appropriate jobs, a specific group becomes vulnerable and is exploited by organised syndicates, being forced into begging in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The government even fines them up to SAR 50,000 and immediately deport them.
However, in late 2025 and early 2026, Saudi authorities reported deporting over 56,000 Pakistani nationals for begging-related activities. To monitor the conditions, Riyadh is using AI-integrated CCTV in the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas to identify beggars. Similarly, Riyadh has begun imposing pre-departure requirements, requiring pilgrims from high-risk categories to sign affidavits pledging not to beg. Travel agencies should be held legally and financially responsible for the return of every member of their tour group; failure to comply will result in the suspension of Umrah quotas.
Therefore, these technology-driven regulations in Saudi Arabia show a shift from reactive to proactive policies. By strengthening the Yemeni border, digitising the labour market, and applying diplomatic pressure on countries that send pilgrims, Riyadh aims to prevent illegal migration to protect its demographic sovereignty by reserving national resources and jobs for its citizens.
The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
