Saudi labor authorities have implemented stringent measures to combat illegal work brokerage, rejecting calls to reduce penalties for recruiting foreign workers without genuine job opportunities.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has unveiled a draft scheme imposing fines ranging from SR200,000 to SR1 million for employers involved in recruiting workers from abroad without actual job placements. According to the draft, foreign offenders will face deportation from the kingdom.

Feedback from a ministry survey indicated opposition to the fines as "excessive." However, the ministry defended its stance, emphasizing the seriousness of the violation and its consequences.

The ministry has also rejected proposals for leniency, insisting on strict penalties to deter illegal practices. It has adopted a provision for escalating fines based on the number of workers affected, capped at SR10 million for multiple violations.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented significant labor reforms to regulate its job market and enhance competitiveness. Reforms introduced in 2020 included improvements to the sponsorship system, facilitating job mobility and regulating exit and re-entry visas for expatriate workers without employer approval.