Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has warned employers against illegally employing expatriate workers, with violations potentially resulting in a fine of up to SR100,000, a recruitment ban of up to five years and other penalties.

Saudi Arabia Warns Employers About Illegal Expat Employment

The Ministry of Interior has reminded companies, establishments and employers to comply with Saudi Arabia’s residency, labor and border security regulations when employing expatriate workers.

The warning comes as Saudi authorities continue nationwide enforcement campaigns targeting violations involving residency status, employment and border security. Recent enforcement operations have also targeted individuals and establishments that assist or employ people in violation of Saudi regulations. Saudi Arabia’s latest residency crackdown resulted in thousands of arrests and deportations.

SR100,000 Fine for Illegal Expatriate Employment

Employers can face a maximum fine of SR100,000 for certain violations involving expatriate workers. The penalty may be multiplied depending on the number of workers involved in the violation.

The violations include situations where an employer:

• Allows an expatriate worker to work for their own account.

• Allows a worker to work for another employer or individual.

• Employs an expatriate worker who is sponsored by another person or establishment.

Saudi authorities have previously highlighted similar penalties for employers who allow their workers to work for others or operate for their own benefit. 

Additional Penalties for Employers

The financial penalty is not the only consequence of violating Saudi Arabia’s expatriate employment regulations. Companies and establishments found responsible may also face additional administrative and criminal penalties.

Recruitment Ban

An establishment may be prohibited from recruiting new workers for a period of up to five years.

Publication of Company Name

The name of the violating establishment may be published in local media at the company’s own expense as part of the penalties.

Imprisonment of Responsible Manager

The manager responsible for the violation may face imprisonment for up to one year.

If the responsible manager is an expatriate, the manager may also be subject to deportation from Saudi Arabia.

Employers Must Follow Saudi Labor and Residency Rules

Employers in Saudi Arabia are required to ensure that expatriate workers are legally authorized to work and that their employment arrangements comply with applicable residency and labor regulations.

Employers should also avoid allowing workers to perform unauthorized jobs for other businesses or individuals. Saudi authorities have repeatedly warned that employing workers who violate residency, work or border security regulations can result in significant penalties.

Saudi Arabia has continued to strengthen enforcement against residency, labor and border security violations. Recent Ministry of Interior campaigns have included action against people accused of transporting, sheltering or employing individuals who violate the regulations.

How to Report Employment and Residency Violations in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Interior has urged citizens, residents, employers and the wider public to report violations of Saudi Arabia’s residency, labor and border security regulations.

Reports can be made through the following emergency numbers:

• 911: Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions.

• 999: Other regions of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities have previously designated these numbers for reporting residency, work and border security violations.

Saudi Arabia Steps Up Enforcement Against Labor Violations

The latest warning highlights the importance of maintaining legal employment arrangements for expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. Employers should verify workers’ authorization and ensure that employees do not work outside the conditions permitted under Saudi regulations.

Authorities continue to conduct inspection and enforcement campaigns across the Kingdom, with violations potentially leading to fines, recruitment restrictions, imprisonment, deportation and other legal measures depending on the nature of the offense.

Employers and expatriate workers should therefore remain aware of Saudi Arabia’s residency and labor requirements and comply with the applicable regulations to avoid penalties.