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 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 at a deportation center in Riyadh. Initially he felt his weak physical health prevented him from making the long journey to Riyadh, but on 29 May 2025 he attempted to travel by car to Riyadh. On the way the car was stopped by the police and he was detained.
Prayer Points:
Please pray:
- thanking God for ‘Sam’s commitment to Christ in the midst of these challenges
- for the authorities to decide Sam will be deported and allowed to leave the country
- for the Lord’s healing for his health issue
- that ‘Sam’ will be an encouragement to other believers and a witness to those who do not Jesus
