Authorities in Saudi Arabia have taken a stand against undocumented foreign vendors operating in Jeddah's wholesale vegetable market, as per recent reports.

The Public Market Management Department, under the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in Mecca, has enforced regulations requiring expatriates to be accompanied by their employers, aiming to prioritize job opportunities for Saudi nationals, according to Sabq, a local news outlet.

This move has garnered appreciation from Saudi investors, who view it as a bold step to promote local employment and encourage Saudi workforce participation.

Earlier, Sabq had highlighted the prevalence of illegal expatriate businesses in the Jeddah wholesale market, particularly noting instances where foreign drivers engaged in buying and reselling fruits and vegetables openly.

In alignment with its "Saudisation" strategy, Saudi Arabia has been actively working to increase employment opportunities for its citizens, replacing foreign workers in various sectors such as education, telecommunications, and real estate.

In December, labor authorities announced the implementation of measures to localize sales, purchasing, and project management positions.