Saudi Arabia warns expatriates of jail, SR50,000 fine for working for themselves

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has warned expatriates against working for their own account, saying repeat offenders could face fines of up to SR50,000, six months in prison and deportation as authorities intensify enforcement of residency and labour regulations.

The Ministry of Interior said self-employment by expatriates outside the legally permitted employment framework constitutes a violation and urged foreign workers to comply with the kingdom’s residency, labour and border security laws.

Penalties escalate for repeat offences. Under regulations published by the authorities, a first offence carries a SR10,000 fine and deportation.

A second offence can result in a SR25,000 fine, one month in prison and deportation, while a third or subsequent violation carries a fine of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation.

The warning forms part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to regulate the labour market and curb unauthorised employment, including expatriates working independently or outside the employment arrangements under which they are legally registered.

Penalties can also apply to people or businesses that enable expatriates to work for themselves or for employers other than those legally authorised to employ them.

Those who employ, transport, shelter or conceal violators can face separate penalties, with fines in some cases reaching SR100,000 and prison terms of up to six months.

The Interior Ministry said field campaigns would continue across the kingdom to detect violations of residency, labour and border security regulations.

It urged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.