Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most restricted and difficult environments for Christians, especially those who convert from Islam. Prayers are requested for ‘Sam’, a believer from a Muslim background from another Arab country, who is detained in Saudi Arabia, after being refused permission for many months to leave the country.
Sam moved to Saudi Arabia with his family as a baby and was raised there. About 10 years ago, he became a follower of Christ. In 2024, he was detained for two months and questioned about other believers in the country, both nationals and expatriates. He was not mistreated, but still suffers health problems due to the general conditions of his detention. He continued to be called in for interrogation.
He is not allowed to renew his residency permit, but at the same time, his exit visa application has been blocked, leaving him in limbo: he cannot work or practically function in the country without legal residency, but can’t leave without an exit visa.
Recently, he was issued a deportation order but told to report to a deportation centre in Riyadh. Initially, he felt his weak physical health prevented him from making the long journey to Riyadh, but on 29 May, he attempted to travel by car to Riyadh. On the way, the car was stopped by the police, and he was detained.
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