Hundreds of food delivery workers have been apprehended in Saudi Arabia’s western city of Taif for operating without mandatory health certificates, according to a municipal official. The Taif municipality caught over 2,000 delivery workers in violation of health regulations, said the Mayor of West Taif, Saleh Al Maliki.

Ongoing Campaign to Enforce Delivery Compliance

The municipality launched a campaign more than six months ago to ensure that delivery workers comply with regulations and possess valid health certificates. This initiative aims to promote the safe delivery of food and beverages to consumers and verify the credentials of workers involved in the service.

Temporary Halt to New Delivery Licenses

Last week, Saudi transport authorities announced the suspension of new licenses for motorcycle delivery services operating through mobile apps. This halt will remain in place until new regulations are introduced, ending a trial phase where companies were granted temporary licenses to address rising demand for delivery services.

Wide-Scale Violations Identified

In a related move, the Transport General Authority (TGA), in collaboration with other government bodies, reported around 4.3 million violations last month. These violations include:

• Drivers failing to wear the authorized uniform approved by TGA.

• Delivery apps contracting with unauthorized carriers.

• Failure of vehicles or drivers to meet delivery standards.

• Lack of essential safety tools for transported goods.

Regulations Encouraging Saudi Nationals to Join the Sector

In April 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced new delivery regulations, initially restricting the sector to Saudi nationals. Non-Saudis are now required to work exclusively through licensed apps and wear uniforms while on duty. These regulations aim to create job opportunities for Saudis and encourage self-employment in the sector.

The plan mandates a gradual shift where non-Saudis can only work with light transport companies over a 14-month transition period, fostering the development of the delivery sector and ensuring compliance with national standards.

Conclusion

The crackdown on non-compliant delivery workers and the introduction of stricter regulations demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a well-regulated and secure food delivery sector. The new policies not only enhance consumer safety but also encourage job creation for Saudis, aligning with the kingdom's long-term economic goals.