Saudi Arabia Sets Fines, Jail and Deportation for Expats Working Independently

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for expatriates found working independently in the Kingdom in violation of regulations governing residency and employment.

The penalties include a fine of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation from the Kingdom, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Interior urged residents to comply with regulations governing residency, employment and border security, stressing the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s laws and avoiding violations that may result in legal penalties.

Reporting Violations

The ministry also called on citizens and residents to report individuals violating the relevant regulations as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and curb unauthorized employment practices.

Reports can be submitted through 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while 999 is available for reporting violations in other regions of the Kingdom.

The measures form part of broader efforts by Saudi authorities to enforce residency and labor regulations, organize the labor market and address violations related to unauthorized work.