Repeat offenders could face up to six months in jail, deportation and higher fines.
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has warned expatriates against unauthorised self-employment, saying repeat offenders could face fines of up to SR50,000, six months in prison and deportation as authorities step up enforcement of residency and labour regulations.
The Ministry of Interior said expatriates working for their own account outside the legally permitted employment framework are in violation of the law. It urged foreign workers to comply with the kingdom’s residency, labour and border security regulations.
Penalties become more severe for repeat violations. Under regulations issued by Saudi authorities, a first offence carries a SR10,000 fine along with deportation.
A second offence can lead to a SR25,000 fine, one month in prison and deportation, while a third or subsequent violation may result in a fine of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation.
The warning is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate the labour market and crack down on unauthorised employment, including expatriates working independently or outside the employment arrangements under which they are legally registered.
Penalties may also be imposed on individuals or businesses that allow expatriates to work independently or for employers not legally authorised to employ them.
Those who employ, transport, shelter or conceal violators can face separate sanctions, including fines of up to SR100,000 and prison terms of up to six months in some cases.
The Interior Ministry said field inspections would continue across Saudi Arabia to identify violations of residency, labour and border security regulations.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other parts of the kingdom.
