RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has warned expatriates against working independently of their legally authorised employment arrangements, saying repeat offenders could face substantial fines, imprisonment and possible deportation.
The Ministry of Interior said expatriates who work for their own account without legal authorisation violate the kingdom’s residency and labour regulations. Authorities urged foreign workers to comply with laws governing employment, residency and border security.
Under the announced penalties, authorities can fine a first-time offender SR10,000 before deporting the individual from Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, a second violation can result in a SR25,000 fine, imprisonment for one month and deportation.
Repeat Violations Carry Tougher Punishment
For a third or subsequent offence, authorities can impose a fine of up to SR50,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months, followed by deportation.
The warning forms part of a broader government campaign to regulate Saudi Arabia’s labour market and prevent expatriates from working independently or for employers outside their legally registered arrangements.
Furthermore, authorities have warned that penalties do not apply only to foreign workers who violate employment regulations.
Employers, Facilitators Also Face Penalties
Individuals and businesses that employ, transport, shelter or conceal residency and labour violators can also face legal action.
Depending on the offence, facilitators could receive fines reaching SR100,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
The Interior Ministry said enforcement teams would continue field campaigns across the kingdom to identify violations of residency, labour and border security regulations.
Authorities also encouraged residents to report suspected violations through official emergency channels.
People in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province can report cases by calling 911, while residents elsewhere in Saudi Arabia can use 999.
The latest warning underscores Saudi authorities’ continuing push to strengthen labour-market compliance and ensure expatriates work only within legally approved employment arrangements.
